PHILADELPHIA, PA — The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm as severe winter weather deepens an already critical blood shortage, with more than 10,000 donations left uncollected in just three days after Winter Storm Fern forced widespread cancellations across the country.
The national blood supply remains at dangerously low levels after the storm disrupted blood drives in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects donations. From January 23 through January 26, approximately 450 blood drives were canceled, leaving hospitals and trauma centers scrambling as freezing temperatures and hazardous travel conditions continue to threaten additional cancellations.
The latest losses compound an already strained system. More than 400 blood drives were canceled last month alone due to severe weather, sharply limiting the Red Cross’s ability to rebuild inventories needed for surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency care.
Red Cross officials urged eligible donors to give blood or platelets as soon as it is safe to travel, warning that delays could jeopardize lifesaving medical procedures. The organization supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, making weather-driven disruptions especially consequential during peak winter months.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering a $20 e-gift card to donors who give blood or platelets between January 26 and February 28, 2026. Appointments can be scheduled through the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief, supports military families and veterans, delivers international humanitarian aid, and depends on volunteers and public donations to carry out its mission. More information is available at redcross.org and CruzRojaAmericana.org.
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