DETROIT (Feb. 3, 2026) — The American Red Cross urges people to schedule an appointment to give blood as soon as possible to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms and rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed.

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 Michigan, 12 blood drives have been canceled, resulting in 327 blood donations going uncollected. Dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

Make an appointment to give by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who come to give now through Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

Hospital Impact
Shortfalls in blood 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. 

Upcoming Blood Drives
The Red Cross is hosting these sickle cell blood drives throughout February:

• Battle Creek Central High School, Battle Creek, Feb. 5, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Fraser High School, Fraser, Feb. 6, 7:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
• Lincoln High School, Warren, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Stellantis Trenton Engine, Trenton, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Delta Air Lines, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Roseville High School, Roseville, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Elyton Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Feb. 27, 11:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Henry / sydney.henry@redcross.org / 313-439-4304

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.