Prevent a winter blood shortage: Give blood or platelets now

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage this winter that could disrupt lifesaving care at hospitals, prompting urgent calls for donors to make appointments.

The blood supply has been strained following the busy holiday season, when winter weather and packed schedules contributed to decreased donations. Without immediate action, medical professionals may face difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who must wait for treatment.

Donors with types O, A negative, and B negative blood are especially needed now, according to Red Cross officials.

Individuals interested in donating blood or platelets can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

For the seventh consecutive year, the Red Cross and the National Football League are partnering during January for National Blood Donor Month to encourage blood donations.

As an incentive to donors during the critical post-holiday period, those who donate between January 1st and 25th, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LX trip package. The prize includes two tickets to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California; access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations, and $1,000 gift card for expenses.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Marshall County include:

this Wednesday, January 7^th, at Cabinetworks Group at 515 Mill Street in Culver from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

Monday, January 12^th, at the Plymouth Fire Department at 111 North Center Street from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and

on Tuesday, January 13^th, at the Ancilla College Administration Building at 9601 South Union Road in Donaldson from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.