Winter Storm Causes Cancellation of Hundreds of American Red Cross Blood Drives and Loss of 8,000 Blood Donations Across the Eastern Seaboard
News Release: January 13, 2011

Contact: Shannon Ludwig
Northeastern Pennsylvania Blood Services Region
570-823-7164
570-899-7120 - cel


This week's winter storm has forced the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives along the eastern seaboard, causing a shortfall of more than 8,000 blood donations in the southeast and northeast corners of the country.

Red Cross Regions in the southeast reported that more than 6,000 blood donations could not be collected due to the storm which paralyzed the South. In the northeast, Red Cross Blood Regions had a loss of over 2,200 blood donations due to the impact of the storm on Wednesday.

"The American Red Cross is asking eligible blood donors to make an appointment to donate blood to help make up the significant shortfall caused by the recent storm that gripped the eastern seaboard," said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications, American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division. "The American Red Cross is rescheduling blood drives that were cancelled and asking donors to come in to give blood and platelets in the upcoming days to help increase blood inventory levels as soon as it is safe to do so," Morrissey added.

There is a particular need for people with O-negative blood to give now. O-negative is the universal blood type which can go to any patient regardless of their blood type. O-negative blood is often used in emergency cases when doctors can't wait to type a patient's blood. All blood types are needed. The only source of blood is a generous, volunteer blood donor.

The need for blood is constant, it doesn't cancel because of weather and even the slightest dip in collections can have a big impact in the community blood supply in this already challenging time of the year for collections. The Red Cross is calling for all eligible donors in areas where travel is safe to give blood in order to keep blood supplies stable. It is also important that donors who are unable to keep their appointments reschedule as soon as possible. We are asking for your help to ensure that we not only have a sufficient blood supply for our region, but for the many communities affected by the storms.

To celebrate National Blood Donor Month and help increase awareness about the need for blood throughout the month of January, the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region is encouraging people to give 'Warm Your Heart, Heat Your Home' and donate blood or platelets. Each week, daily presenting donors can enter to win a $200. Visa gift card to be used towards their winter home heating bills.

Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in PA), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Positive identification is required at the time of donation.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.