Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 20, 2026) — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as hospital requests continue to outpace available blood supplies nationwide. The Red Cross national blood inventory has dropped by about 35% in the past month, putting trauma victims, cancer patients and others who rely on transfusions at risk without an immediate increase in donations.
The shortage is being driven by a combination of a severe flu season and extreme winter weather, both of which have significantly disrupted blood collection efforts. Increased flu cases are keeping many otherwise eligible donors from giving, while snow, ice and freezing temperatures have forced hundreds of blood drive cancellations nationwide, slowing efforts to rebuild the blood supply as hospital demand remains high.
“This is one of the most challenging times of the year to maintain a stable blood supply, and the current conditions are making it even harder,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “When donations drop, hospitals feel the impact almost immediately. Blood cannot be manufactured, and every unit collected helps ensure patients don’t face delays in critical care when minutes matter.”
How to Donate
Donating blood is easy and can make a profound difference. 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 frequently 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.
Winter Weather Hampers Blood Donations Nationwide
Extreme winter weather has significantly disrupted blood donation efforts, with approximately 400 blood drives canceled last month alone — more than three times the number impacted during the same period last year. These disruptions resulted in more than 10,000 uncollected blood donations, further straining an already critical blood supply.
As snow, ice and freezing temperatures continue across much of the country, additional blood drives are at risk of delay or cancellation in the coming weeks. The timing is especially concerning, as every unit of blood can be lifesaving, leaving doctors to make difficult decisions about which patients receive transfusions and which must wait.
Flu Season Deepens Blood Shortage Crisis
This year’s flu season is proving to be one of the most severe in recent memory, significantly impacting blood donation efforts nationwide. Elevated flu activity has reduced donor turnout as people recover from illness or avoid donating while sick. This has made it harder to maintain an adequate blood supply at a time when hospital demand remains high.
The American Red Cross reminds donors that receiving a flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine does not prevent them from giving blood, as long as they are feeling well and symptom-free on the day of donation. Eligible donors are encouraged to keep or reschedule appointments once healthy to help ensure patients continue to receive the lifesaving blood they need.
Donate Blood for a Chance to Win Super Bowl LX Tickets
Donors who give blood or platelets between Jan. 1 and Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Super Bowl LX prize package. The winner will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to official pre-game events and the Super Bowl Experience, airfare, a three-night hotel stay from Feb. 6–9, 2026, and a $1,000 gift card to help cover expenses. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.
All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
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.
