Severe winter weather has further reduced donation opportunities. About 400 blood drives were impacted last month due to storms and freezing temperatures, more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. Thousands of donations were not collected, and additional weather disruptions the past few days, have worsened the situation.
“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services.
“If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn’t able to hold off on critical care.”
Blood Shortages Deeply Impact Rural Areas
Rural hospitals often feel the impact of blood shortages more sharply than urban centers. With many facilities located hours from major blood distribution hubs, getting lifesaving blood products to patients quickly can be a significant challenge during unexpected emergencies. Winter storms and severe weather can make matters even more difficult, slowing or halting deliveries at the exact moment patients need blood the most.
Studies continue to show that trauma patients in rural regions face higher risks than those in urban areas, largely due to longer transport times and fewer immediate medical resources. These realities underscore just how crucial timely access to blood products—and a dependable national blood supply—are for supporting rural healthcare systems.
To help address these challenges, the American Red Cross has introduced several initiatives to strengthen emergency blood availability in rural communities. This includes expanding the use of blood products designed specifically for emergency and pre-hospital care in remote areas, such as cold-stored platelets with extended shelf life, low-titer O whole blood, and liquid plasma—resources that offer greater flexibility and can be used rapidly during critical bleeding emergencies.
The Red Cross also works closely with hospitals to promote responsible stewardship of Type O blood, the universal type relied upon most during emergencies. By encouraging thoughtful use of these units, the goal is to ensure they remain available when and where they are needed most—especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
There is no time to wait. Appointments can be scheduled using the Blood Donor App, by visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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