In a nutshell
Nearly 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected in January, leaving the national blood supply at critically low levels. The Red Cross has also experienced flight and shipping delays due to the extreme weather experienced across much of the country.
Snow and ice have made it difficult for personnel to move blood products across the Red Cross network causing some delivery delays to hospitals that need them, according to the news release.
The Red Cross had already reported a 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations earlier in January. Blood donations have dropped to the lowest the nonprofit has seen in 20 years.
How to help
The American Red Cross North Texas Region is hosting blood drives across Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties through Feb. 8. A complete list of upcoming blood drives can be found online. The Red Cross is hosting blood drives in:
- Allen
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Frisco
- Keller
- McKinney
- Plano
Potential donors can also make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.
