Red Cross: 20K donations uncollected due to winter storms, give blood or platelets now

The American Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations after severe winter storms forced the cancellation of more than 500 blood drives nationwide, creating a critical shortage that's affecting patient care.

More than 20,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected since the beginning of the year due to weather-related cancellations. In the Indiana Region alone, 33 blood drives have been affected, resulting in 829 uncollected blood product donations.

Beyond canceled blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also disrupted the transportation of vital blood products, potentially affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

The severe shortfall has forced some hospitals to cancel elective procedures due to blood product shortages. When supplies reach critically low levels, trauma surgeons and emergency doctors face the real possibility that blood could run out when it's needed most.

"Now is the time to give blood or platelets before doctors have to face difficult decisions about which patients can safely move forward with treatment, and who will need to wait," the Red Cross stated.

The Red Cross is asking donors of all blood types in unaffected areas to book appointments immediately. Those in areas facing extreme winter weather are urged to donate when it's safe to do so.

To encourage donations, all who give between January 26 and February 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Appointments can be made using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For details about the e-gift card offer, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.

Marshall County residents have several upcoming opportunities to donate:

This Week:

• Wednesday, February 4 – Bremen at St. Isidore Hall, 803 W. Bike Street, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 5 – Argos United Methodist Church, 540 N. Michigan Street, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Later This Month:

• Thursday, February 12 – Plymouth Columbus Club, 901 E. Jefferson Street, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 23 – Plymouth Fire Department, 111 N. Center Street, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 25 – Triton High School, 300 Triton Drive, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Red Cross emphasizes that blood donations are essential for trauma victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, and those with chronic illnesses. A single donation can save up to three lives.