More than 2,000 units of blood goes uncollected across Oregon and Washington

The Red Cross Cascades Region is urging people to roll up their sleeves and give blood or platelets in the days ahead after back-to-back winter storms forced the cancellation of more than 70 drives, which resulted in the loss of nearly 2,100 units of blood.

The American Red Cross in Oregon and Washington has had difficulty resupplying blood collection sites because of road closures and icy conditions, forcing cancellations of blood drives across both states. Additionally, hosted blood drives were canceled as school districts and businesses closed due to inclement weather. Placing an already vulnerable inventory at critical levels.

“This weather impact comes as we are already in the midst of an emergency blood shortage,” says Angel Montes, Blood Services Executive, Red Cross Cascades Region, “and winter isn’t over yet.”

Every day, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations for patients who are currently undergoing medical procedures and treatments, at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

All eligible donors are urgently needed to help restock the shelves for these hospital patients.

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.