Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 30, 2026) — Winter storms have canceled more than 500 blood drives across the country in six days, putting the critically low American Red Cross national blood supply further at risk. Another round of severe weather is expected this weekend, making blood donations in unaffected areas increasingly important for hospitals nationwide. Blood collection in Utah has not been impacted.
Since Jan. 23, more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected as winter storms forced the cancellation of over 500 blood drives nationwide. The latest disruptions follow more than 400 additional blood drive cancellations last month due to severe weather and flu-related illnesses, making it harder to rebuild the national blood supply. With additional severe weather expected this weekend in the Southwest, Midwest and Northeast, hospitals across the country continue to face growing challenges in maintaining enough blood for patient care.
Utah has become an important source of support for the national blood supply during the recent weather disruptions. With blood collection continuing as scheduled in Utah, donations from residents are helping offset shortages caused by canceled drives in other parts of the country.
“While winter storms have forced cancellations across much of the nation, Utah remains a stable area for blood collection,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Donations made here help ensure hospitals across the country have the blood they need to provide lifesaving care to patients.”
How to Donate
Blood donation appointments are available. Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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.
Why Blood Is Needed
A steady blood supply is essential for hospitals to provide patient care every day. Blood products are used for trauma victims, complex surgeries, cancer treatments and ongoing care for people with chronic illnesses. Over the past month, the national blood inventory has dropped by about 35%, raising concerns about blood availability for hospitals across the country. Because blood components have a limited shelf life, hospitals depend on consistent daily donations to ensure blood is available whenever patients need it.
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.
