Red Cross issues call for donors after severe weather, flu lead to blood shortage
The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood and platelet donors as the organization has reached a critical winter blood shortage.
“Blood and platelet donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in,” Clifford Numark, senior vice president, said in a release. “Donors are critically needed to restock the shelves for patients in their community as well as areas where donors are unable to give due to inclement weather.”
More than 550 blood drives have been canceled due to winter winter, causing over 16,500 donations to go uncollected. The cold and seasonal flu have also contributed to a low donor turnout, according to a release.
You can make an appointment to donate blood at redcrossblood.org, in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 800-733-2767.
The Wichita Blood Donation Center, 707 N. Main, is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The center is also open on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kaitlyn Alanis: 316-269-6708, @kaitlynalanis
This story was originally published January 23, 2018 at 11:44 AM with the headline "Red Cross issues call for donors after severe weather, flu lead to blood shortage."