A combination of weather-related cancellations and disasters have the American Red Cross asking blood and platelet donors to come forward. The impacts of ongoing severe winter weather and wildfires have prevented the collection of more than 12,000 donations so far in January, as hundreds of blood drives were cancelled in California alone.
Areas of the nation not usually affected by winter weather – mostly in the south and gulf coast states – also risk the further tightening of life-saving supplies, both through cancelled collections as well as through problems getting those products to their destinations.
The Red Cross is asking those who can do so to book a time to give blood or platelets by using the donor app, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or online at RedCrossBlood.org. Those donating this week now through Sunday will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans including accommodations, tickets and spending money. Details on the giveaway are available through this link…