Winter storms, California wildfires generate significant blood drive cancellations; Red Cross asks for help

COLUMBIA/SUMTER, Jan. 22, 2025 — The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood or platelets now to help protect the blood supply from the ongoing impact of severe winter weather and wildfires. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O negative blood donors – are needed to help save lives this month.  

As dangerous snow and ice continue to sweep across the country, and wildfires in Southern California continue to burn and impact air quality, Red Cross blood drive cancellations have grown into the hundreds. Collectively, this has resulted in more than 10,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations in January – more than 1,000 of those were scheduled as platelet donations. Here in South Carolina, 4 blood drives have been canceled since the new year due to weather, resulting in 73 uncollected blood product donations.

More winter storms are forecast for this week − including in areas of the U.S. that do not typically experience significant snowfall − which could further strain the blood supply. Additionally, hazardous weather conditions have the potential to make it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network, possibly affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations. As National Blood Donor Month continues, the time to give is now. 

Where it is safe to do so, donors are asked to book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during this crucial time, those who come to give through Jan. 26, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The trip includes access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to New Orleans, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 7-10, 2025), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.  

All who come to give Jan. 27-Feb. 28, 2025, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.  

Places to donate:

Camden

1/26/2025: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1709 Lyttleton Street

2/5/2025: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross -Camden, 632 W Dekalb St.#101

Orangeburg

1/30/2025: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., South Carolina State University, 300 College Street NE

 Sumter

1/22/2025: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sumter Fire Department, 315 North Lafayette

1/24/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Morris College, 100 W College St

The Red Cross is the primary provider to 28 hospitals in South Carolina and has served the state for many decades. In addition to providing lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains people in lifesaving skills and provides services to active and veteran U.S. military personnel and their families. Donors can feel good knowing that by supporting the Red Cross, they can help family and friends in their communities and across the country.

How to donate blood  

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.  

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.