American Red Cross: 'Severe' blood shortage, donations uncollected due to storm
The American Red Cross is announcing that it is experiencing a "severe blood shortage" that was exacerbated by the winter storm that swept over much of the United States on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
According to a news release, the American Red Cross is facing a shortage of blood as requests from hospitals exceed the supply, leading to about a 35% drawdown of products in the last month.
A spokesperson for American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region told 21 News that this shortage is due to several factors, including:
- Increased hospital demand
- An active flu season
Winter weather impacts, like the ones seen over the weekend, may force blood drive events to be canceled.
In total, seven blood drives were canceled across the region, including in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties. Additionally, more than 250 pints of blood were unable to be collected.
However, nationwide, it is noted that 200 blood drives were canceled and more than 7,000 blood and platelet donations went uncollected.
Nearly 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather in December 2025, more than three times the amount seen in the same time during 2024.
"Without immediate action, patients who count on transfusions - including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with sickle cell disease or cancer - face serious risk," as stated in the news release discussing the blood shortage.
The American Red Cross shared that they are seeing an especially serious shortage of platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood.
To incentivize people into donating blood this season, the American Red Cross is offering a $20 e-gift card to the merchant of choice to give blood between January 26 and February 28.
Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher," said Paul Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Red Cross Donor Services.
Sullivan continued," If you're able, now's a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn't able to hold off on critical care."
Those looking to donate blood and receive the e-gift card can find more information here.
Additionally, anyone looking to donate can find upcoming drives on the American Red Cross website.
