OHIO — The country is facing a national blood shortage, but recent winter weather has impacted the American Red Cross' ability to rebuild the blood supply.

Throughout January, blood drives have been canceled in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood. 

What You Need To Know

  • Throughout January, blood drives have been canceled in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood

  • From the canceled blood drives, nearly 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected

  • As the country warms over the next week, Red Cross urges individuals to make appointments to donate blood or platelets

From the canceled blood drives, nearly 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected. In Ohio, and across the country, people faced hazardous roads, snow storms, flight delays, shipping delays and icy conditions and, according to a press release, the Red Cross faced similar issues from weather.

"Snow, ice and extreme temperatures have made it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network, affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations," the release said.

As the country warms over the next week, Red Cross urges individuals to make appointments to donate blood or platelets via the Red Cross Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Currently the country is facing the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. 

"When fewer people donate blood, any disruption to blood donations – like recent weather systems – can have a huge effect on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion," the release said.

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