PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage right now, as blood drives across the country continue to be cancelled due to winter weather.
That’s why the Coastal Chapter is asking you to roll up your sleeves to help those in need, whether across the country, or right here in Hampton Roads.
Though temperatures are supposed to warm back up here at home, some parts of the country are still shoveling their way out after snow blanketed parts of the country.
The Red Cross says the winter weather caused nearly 400 blood drives across 27 states to be cancelled, adding to an already crucial need for blood.
Executive Director of the Red Cross Coastal Chapter, Katie Niehoff, says O Blood is always needed because it’s used during emergencies, but they’re looking for all types of blood.
“It’s a great way to help out your community, its an easy way to support your community, and right now we really need the blood,” said Niehoff.
Niehoff says they usually see a dip in donors during the winter months.
“That happens for lots of different reasons, the colder weather, people are traveling more, lots of illness going around and so people aren’t able to get out and donate,” said Niehoff.
But the dip on top of the already critical need and cancelled drives is creating a shortage in parts of the country.
“When that happens, if there is a need in another part of the country, they might need to send blood to where its more critically needed so that can have an effect on blood supply,” said Niehoff.
She says donating here in Hampton Roads will help make sure that our hospitals here in Virginia will have the blood they need and if there is another critical spot in the country then they’re able to support them as well.
Niehoff says if you can’t donate, they’re always in need of volunteers. She says it’s a great way to give back.
“When you come out and donate you’re helping a neighbor, a friend, a child in need, a cancer patient, so that should be the big motivator that you’re helping to save up to three lives with each donation,” said Niehoff.
And if you want to continue donating throughout the year, the Red Cross will send you reminders every 8 weeks when you are eligible to donate again.
You can also set an alert through your smart home device, like Alexa.
“There’s actually an Alexa skill that will remind you to sign up for an appointment – but also I’ve heard people say every time you get your haircut you know its time to donate blood,” said Niehoff.
If you’d like directions on how to schedule a blood donation through your smart device, click here.
The Red Cross is also partnering with the NFL this month, so if you donate blood, platelets or plasma during the month of January, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl.
If you’d like to find a blood drive near you, click here.
