DENVER, Colo. (Feb. 4, 2026) — The American Red Cross urges people to take action now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are asked to make a blood donation appointment as soon as possible.

Over 500 blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations.  

Patient care is at risk — donors in unaffected areas are asked to book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those in areas facing extreme winter weather are asked to give when it’s safe to do so. All who come to give through Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

Hospital impact

Shortfalls in blood and platelet donations caused by recent winter storms are putting further strain on the national blood supply, forcing some hospitals to cancel elective procedures due to blood product shortages. When supplies are critically low, trauma surgeons and other doctors face the real possibility that blood could run out when it’s needed most. Now is the time to give blood before doctors have to face difficult decisions about which patients can safely move forward with treatment, and who will need to wait.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, Feb. 4-28: 

• American Red Cross, 444 N. Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 – Every Monday and Friday in February, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Nite Ize Inc., 5660 Central Ave., Boulder – Feb. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Allen Plumbing and Heating, 101 S. Link Lane, Fort Collins – Feb. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Summit Bodyworks, 13525 County Road 8, Fort Lupton – Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Pikes Peak Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs:
  • Feb. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wolhurst Adult Community Clubhouse, 8201 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton – Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thomas Jefferson High School, 3950 S. Holly St., Denver – Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Becks' Martial Arts, 8017 First St., Wellington – Feb. 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Springs Funeral Services - North, 4310 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs – Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Project Our Town, 1460 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver – Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th St., Greeley – Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Denver Health Medical Center Pavilion C, 777 Bannock St., Denver – Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• CEC Early College, 2650 Eliot St., Denver – Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• South Adams County Fire Station 28, 10326 Walden St., Commerce City – Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Rocky Mountain Mission Center, 9501 Lou Drive, Thornton – Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Community College of Aurora CentreTech Campus - Student Centre, 16000 E. Centretech Parkway, Aurora – Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Kaiser Permanente - Parkside Medical Office, 215 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs – Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Bear Creek High School, 9800 W. Dartmouth Place, Lakewood – Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Christ's Episcopal Church, 615 Fourth St., Castle Rock – Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• UCHealth Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion 2 - Anschutz Medical Campus, 12505 E. 16th Ave., Aurora – Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• CU Boulder Rec Center, 1835 Pleasant St., Boulder – Feb. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.