'Help can't wait': Red Cross urges blood donations after severe winter weather

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations after winter weather forced a blood drive cancellation.

"The impact is more than just a canceled appointment, it means less blood products available for patient emergencies here and across the country," American Red Cross Wisconsin Region Communications Manager Laura McGuire said.

The Red Cross is asking for the help of healthy donors to overcome donation shortfalls from recent heavy snows, ice storms, and freezing temperatures in parts of the country.

"Every day, even during severe weather, thousands of patients rely on lifesaving blood donations," McGuire said. "Help can't wait."

Record-breaking cold and winter storms have forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives in 30 states and caused more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, the Red Cross said in a statement.

Those with type O blood are especially encouraged to donate.

To help ensure lifesaving patient care isn’t impacted, individuals in areas unaffected by severe weather are urged to make appointments to donate by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.