National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region

RedCRoss.org/NCGC

Media Contact: Ashley Henyan

Telephone: 843-571-8945

Ashley.Henyan@RedCross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Cross Update: Winter Weather Safety and Delayed Openings

[WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 16, 2024] — The American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region is urging every to stay safe amid severe winter weather.

Due to winter weather and snowy road conditions this morning, the following Red Cross fixed donation sites will have a delayed opening:

• Frederick, Maryland Blood Donor Center normally scheduled to open at 10:30am will now open at 1:30pm
• Glen Burnie, Maryland Blood Donor Center normally scheduled to open at 10am will now open at 1pm
• Fairfax, Virginia Blood Donor Center normally scheduled to open at 10am will now open at 1pm
• White Marsh Blood Donor Center in Baltimore normally scheduled to open at 11:30am will now open at 1pm

For more information and to locate Red Cross Blood Donor Centers, visit this website or call 1-800-RedCross.

Winter Weather Safety

The Red Cross urges everyone to download the FREE Red Cross emergency app to locate open shelters and for weather alerts and safety tips for various types of emergencies and disasters. Additionally, it is important to keep these tips at top of mind to stay safe after a winter storm:

• If you need to go outside, use extreme caution when driving or walking on ice.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines. They can electrocute you.
• Be aware of branches, trees, and ice that may fall.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks and, if possible, work with a partner.
• Use ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Go to a public library, shopping mall, or warming center if your home becomes too cold

Weather Impacts the Blood Supply

Since the start of the month, approximately 200 Red Cross blood drives across 27 states have been canceled due to winter weather, causing more than 6,000 lifesaving blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. Meteorologists have warned that this extreme weather stretches from coast to coast with more impact predicted this week.

This severe weather impact comes as the Red Cross is already in the midst of an emergency blood shortage, with donations going out to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Weather related blood drive cancellations could seriously hinder efforts to rebuild the blood supply by preventing willing donors from traveling to blood drives and donation centers.

To help ensure patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood whenever they are eligible, and it is safe to do so.

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

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.

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