Blood donations needed after winter weather lowers supply

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The American Red Cross is asking donors to give blood or platelets now and throughout the end of the year.

According to AAA, roughly 113 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. This means those who would otherwise donate will likely hold off until the new year.

Due to frigid temperatures and snowstorms, donations have been affected across the nation, according to the American Red Cross.

The need for blood and platelets remains constant, especially for trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents needing lifesaving transfusions.

The American Red Cross says it’s important for donors, especially those with type O blood and platelets, to give now. This could allow hospitals to have the blood they need into the new year. Those who donate through Jan. 2 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.

You can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those in Bowling Green can donate Wednesday, Dec. 28 and Friday, Dec. 30 from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn University Plaza and the Sloan Convention Center located at 1021 Wilkinson Trace.