Red Cross in Desperate Need of Blood

Clinton County

Today, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Faith Family Church, 508 W. Green St. in Frankfort

Tippecanoe County

Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave. in Lafayette

Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Purdue University – Krach Leadership Center, 1198 3rd St. in West Lafayette

The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood now to help protect the blood supply from the ongoing impact of severe winter weather and wildfires. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O negative blood donors – are needed to help save lives.

As dangerous snow and ice continue to sweep across the country, and wildfires in Southern California continue to burn and impact air quality, Red Cross blood drive cancellations have grown into the hundreds. Collectively, this has resulted in more than 12,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations in January. Here in the Indiana Region, 22 blood drives have been canceled since the new year because of adverse weather, resulting in 474 uncollected blood product donations.

More storms are certainly possible which could further strain the blood supply. Additionally, hazardous weather conditions have the potential to make it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network, possibly affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations. As National Blood Donor Month continues, the time to give is now.

Where it is safe to do so, donors are asked to book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As an incentive, all who come to give through Feb. 28 will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.