Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 20, 2024) — Widespread winter storms across the United States have forced the cancellation of more than 400 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in 12,500 uncollected blood donations nationwide. Inclement weather elsewhere provides a greater impact for blood donors in Southern Nevada, who’s generosity can help people in need locally or restock hospital supplies across the country.
Blood drive cancellations compound an already existing nationwide emergency blood shortage, driven by the lowest number of blood donors in two decades, leaving blood supplies at critically low levels. Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, emphasizes, “Donating blood is a simple yet powerful act that can make a difference in someone’s life. Southern Nevada residents can make a positive impact in our community and the nation by answering this urgent call to donate blood.”
More winter storms anticipated
Since the start of the month, more than 400 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled due to weather in 27 states. The National Weather Service’s storm warnings and winter weather advisories across the country indicate further cancellations are likely, exacerbating the blood shortage. “The winter storms pose a critical threat to our nation’s blood supply. However, those of us in areas unaffected by severe weather can contribute significantly by making an appointment to give blood today,” Flanigan said.
The Red Cross plays a crucial role in maintaining the country's blood supply, contributing around 40% of all collected blood. To meet the needs of patients at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross must collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Southern Nevada, more than 15 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
While all blood types are needed, there is a critical need for type O donors. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, while type O negative is the universal donor, often used in emergencies when the patient’s blood type cannot be quickly determined.
In addition to the challenges posed by winter storms, the Red Cross is grappling with a substantial decline in donors. Over the last two decades, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross nationwide has plummeted by over 40%, from 3.7 million donors in 2002 to 2.1 million in 2022.
Donate blood and win: Red Cross NFL partnership
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/Super Bowl.
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.