Red Cross asks for blood donations as winter weather cancels drives
Feb 17, 2025, 10:00 AM
LOUISVILLE, KY - JULY 07: A phlebotomist tends to the arm of a blood donor at the KFC YUM! Center during the Starts, Stripes, and Pints blood drive event on July 7, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. Rising numbers of organ transplants, trauma cases, and elective surgeries postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused an influx in the need for blood products. The American Red Cross is holding this three day blood drive while offering incentives for donations, including Red Cross apparel, amusement park tickets, and free parking. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY— As winter storms disrupt cities across the U.S., the American Red Cross is urging blood donations.
According to the Red Cross, severe weather has caused the cancellation of nearly 850 blood drives already this year. They’ve resulted in over 22,000 uncollected donations.
Only two Utah blood drives have been impacted, per a press release. Regardless, the national blood supply is still facing a shortage.
“Every donation helps ensure we can continue delivering lifesaving blood to those who depend on it, no matter the weather,” Executive Director of the American Red Cross’ central and southern Utah chapter Benjamin Donner said.
Per the Red Cross, winter is among the most difficult times of year to maintain the blood supply. Weather isn’t the only contributor, the organization also attributes fewer blood donations to cold and flu season.
Further complicating the pressing blood supply shortage, the Red Cross’ website said red blood cells have to be used within 42 days. Platelets have an even shorter shelf life, lasting only five days.
Do organizations have to rely on blood donations?
The organization’s website said that every two seconds, someone in the country needs blood. Red Cross provides roughly 40% of that supply, contributing to care for patients suffering from cancer, traumatic injuries, and other ailments, such as sickle cell disease.
Since blood is a complex, sophisticated bodily fluid, scientists have yet to develop a method to artificially replicate it. Therefore, the only way to get it is through blood donations.
One University of Colorado medical professor said research has suggested it can be done, but technology and cost currently stand in the way.
FILE – Blood flows through a tube from a donor. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
Participating in blood donations
According to the Red Cross, roughly 3% of people who are old enough to donate blood participate in yearly donations.
In Utah, anyone 16 years old can donate blood, but they must have a guardian sign a consent form.
Vitalant said donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. However, those with smaller bodies may need to weigh more.
More criteria donors can not be sick or have low iron. Full eligibility criteria can be found on the Red Cross eligibility website.
Until Feb. 28, anyone who donates blood through the Red Cross will receive a $15 e-gift card, according to a press release.
If you know you are eligible to participate in blood donations. Check the Red Cross website to find out where you can donate or use their app to schedule an appointment.
Related: Red Cross: Urgent need for blood donation during trauma season
