Winter Storms Compromise Red Cross Blood Collection

 Blankets of ice, and falling sleet and snow prevent blood donations.   The Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region estimates almost 800 pints of blood will not be collected today due to cancelled blood drives and donors’ inability to travel.  This on top of a local loss of almost 300 pints of blood yesterday, and a nation-wide loss of18,000 within the past week.  Storms continue to be predicted for most of the Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.  The Red Cross now urges those who are healthy and able to travel safely to please consider making a blood donation in the coming days.  

Everyone who is eligible is urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the coming days by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.