Severe winter weather across much of Missouri and parts of Illinois and eastern Kansas last week forced the cancellation of approximately 20 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 1,200 blood and platelet donations through the Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.
Once inclement weather passes, eligible donors are encouraged to give lifesaving blood to help offset the current shortfall and ensure a stable supply.
“While inclement winter weather can hinder blood and platelet donations, patients’ needs for these lifesaving blood products is constant.” said Scott Caswell, CEO of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region, which serves nearly 80 hospitals region wide. “Now that the severe weather has subsided, we encourage eligible donors to give and help ensure patients’ needs continue to be met.”
All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative.
