Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 15, 2025) — Another powerful storm system is expected to sweep across much of the United States this weekend, bringing heavy snow and likely causing additional cancellations of American Red Cross blood drives nationwide. Since the start of the year, nearly 850 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled due to severe winter weather, resulting in over 22,000 uncollected blood donations. As the nation’s blood supply faces mounting challenges, the Red Cross of Utah is urging residents to donate blood in the coming weeks to ensure lifesaving blood remains available for patients in need.
“Heavy winter storms have disrupted countless blood drives, making it more important than ever for Utahns to roll up their sleeves and donate,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Every donation helps ensure we can continue delivering lifesaving blood to those who depend on it, no matter the weather.”
More Severe Winter Storms on the Horizon
The latest storm comes on the heels of successive systems that have brought snow to parts of the West and Midwest, snow and freezing rain to the Northeast and New England, and thunderstorms to the South, with the potential for flooding. Areas from Texas to the Carolinas are now on alert for snow and freezing rain next week as forecasters predict another round of dangerous weather.
These ongoing winter storms are compounding challenges for blood collection efforts. By Feb. 14, more than 22,000 blood donations had already gone uncollected, surpassing last winter’s total losses and creating a significant strain on the national blood supply. While Utah has only experienced two blood drive cancellations so far, other states less equipped to handle winter weather have been hit much harder. For example, Virginia and Georgia alone have each lost nearly 2,000 blood donations due to weather-related cancellations in just the first 45 days of the year.
Challenges Facing the Blood Supply
Winter is already one of the most difficult seasons for maintaining an adequate blood supply. Severe weather can lead to widespread blood drive cancellations, while an active cold and flu season further reduces donor turnout as people recover from illness. These combined factors leave the blood supply vulnerable during an already challenging time.
The Red Cross is encouraging donors to act now by scheduling a donation appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If immediate appointments are unavailable, donors are urged to schedule for the near future to help stabilize the blood supply. To show appreciation, the Red Cross is offering a $15 e-gift card to everyone who donates blood between Jan. 27 and Feb. 28, 2025. More details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry.
“Donating blood is a powerful way to make a difference,” Donner said. “For patients who depend on blood products daily, every donation brings hope and the chance for survival. It’s a gift that truly can save lives.”
The Critical Role of the Red Cross
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Locally, nearly 45 hospitals in Utah depend on Red Cross donations to meet the needs of their patients. To keep up with demand, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day.
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.