Blood Donations Needed After Winter Storm Impacts Blood Drives

News Summary: 

•      The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage as winter weather further impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. 

•      The recent winter storm canceled approximately 40 blood drives in Red Cross Missouri and Arkansas Region, resulting in upwards of 1,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. 

•      More blood and platelet donors are needed now. Individuals who are not impacted by the storm are urged to give now to prevent disruptions in patient care. The Red Cross urges those in areas experiencing severe weather to give when it is safe for them to do so. 

[SPRINGFIELD, MO, January 29, 2026] -- The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage as winter weather further impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Individuals who may be eligible are urged to give blood and platelets as soon as it is safe for them to travel to help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. 

The national blood supply remains at critically low levels. The recent storm impacting half the U.S. population has canceled blood drives in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood. As a result, approximately 450 blood drives have been canceled, and more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected in just the last three days, from Jan. 23-26, with more cancelations expected due to freezing temperatures throughout much of the country. In the Missouri and Arkansas Region alone, about 40 blood drives have been canceled, resulting in upwards of 1,000 uncollected donations. 

There’s no time to wait. Book an appointment now to give blood by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross encourages everyone to be safe, and to make an appointment to donate as soon as it is safe to travel. Those who are not impacted by the storm are urged to donate immediately.