Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 3, 2026) — Severe winter weather across the country has canceled nearly 750 American Red Cross blood drives since the start of the year, leaving more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations uncollected and worsening an ongoing national blood shortage. Blood drives in Utah have not been affected by the weather disruptions making donations collected here important in supporting hospitals nationwide.
The widespread weather disruptions across much of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southern U.S. have significantly reduced blood collection efforts at a time when hospitals continue to rely on a steady blood supply for emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatments and other critical medical needs. The loss of tens of thousands of scheduled donations has made it increasingly difficult to maintain adequate blood inventories nationwide, increasing the importance of blood drives in Utah and other areas not affected by the storms.
“The impact of recent winter weather is being felt across the country,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Donations collected in Utah are helping support hospitals facing blood shortages in other areas.
Patient Care at Risk
Shortfalls in blood and platelet donations caused by recent winter storms are further straining the national blood supply, leading some hospitals to postpone elective procedures due to limited blood availability. When supplies run low, doctors face the possibility that blood may not be available for trauma patients and others who depend on transfusions for lifesaving care. Maintaining adequate blood inventories remains essential to ensure hospitals can continue treating patients without delays.
How to Donate
Blood donation appointments are available through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who come to give blood between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O, A negative and B negative blood. O positive, the most commonly transfused type, is compatible with 85% of patients, while O negative, the universal blood type, is critical in emergencies. B negative, found in less than 2% of the population, and A negative, found in only 6%, are both rare and essential because patients with these blood types can only receive transfusions from donors with the same type or O negative blood.
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Locally, nearly 45 hospitals in Utah depend on Red Cross donations to meet patient needs. To maintain adequate supplies, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations daily.
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.
