stLouISTSevere Winter Weather Intensifies Red Cross Blood Crisis
ST. LOUIS - After severe winter storms rolled across the country, the American Red Cross asks members of the community to schedule the earliest-available blood or platelet donation appointments in their area once it is safe to give. Dangerous snow and ice conditions have contributed to about 600 blood drive cancellations since the beginning of the year, resulting in nearly 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. In the Missouri-Arkansas Region, 46 blood drives were canceled, and 11 donor centers were closed, resulting in 1,707 uncollected donations due to recent winter storms. Since the Red Cross issued its first-ever blood crisis in January, thousands of generous donors have come forward to give, but patient care remains at risk. The threat of winter weather continues − as well as ongoing complications posed by the omicron variant – and could further complicate efforts to rebuild the blood supply. More donors are needed to make appointments now for the week
