Red Cross makes blood plea

Feb. 2– The latest winter storm on the east coast caused more blood drive cancellations and the American Red Cross is urging people in unaffected areas of the country to schedule a blood donation in the coming days.

As part of a nationwide appeal for blood donors to boost a dwindling blood supply, a Red Cross blood drive will be held in Savannah on Friday, Feb. 18, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Savannah Church of Christ at 1175 Pickwick Road.

Winter weather has caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected throughout the eastern half of the country.

The latest snowfall worsened the situation, with more blood drives canceled and a total of about 16,400 blood and platelet donations not collected over the last several weeks.

The Red Cross hasn’t seen its blood supply drop this dramatically, at this time of year, over the past 10 years.

Here in the Tennessee Valley region, more than 1,000 blood donations were reportedly lost due to winter weather.

 

People across the country are responding to the call for blood donations and the Red Cross hopes that support continues.

Despite the weather, patients continue to need blood. After a prolonged drop in blood donations, it takes time to build the blood supply back to an adequate level.

To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, call 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

All blood types are needed, especially O-negative, A-negative and B-negative.