WASHINGTON — The recent period of extreme cold caused the American Red Cross to cancel 150 blood drives in the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services region.
“We did not collect up to 5,500 blood and platelet donations,” said Regina Boothe Bratton of the American Red Cross. “We have an urgent need for blood right now, nationwide.”
In addition to the canceled blood drives in the D.C. area, winter ailments and the holidays slow donations. Supplies have been drained by national disasters such as the California wildfires and Las Vegas mass shooting.
“All blood types are needed,” Bratton said.
But there’s critical need for Type O-negative, Type B-negative and Type AB.
To try to make the process as convenient as possible for donors, Bratton says you can read and fill out much of the required paperwork ahead of time online or by using the Red Cross App.
There are scores of blood drives in the area in coming weeks. Find one near you by searching by ZIP code or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Rolling up your sleeve is a powerful thing, Bratton said. “For every pint of blood that you donate, you’re saving up to three people’s lives.”
