The American Red Cross continues to face a severe blood shortage. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care.
Winter typically puts pressure on the blood supply, and volunteer blood donors are key to helping save lives. About 400 blood drives were impacted nationally due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year.
With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be delayed or canceled at a time when every unit of blood could be the difference for doctors facing difficult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.
“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn’t able to hold off on critical care.”
The shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative and B negative blood.
Upcoming area donation drives include:
- Thursday, January 22 at Sandhills Public Schools in Dunning from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Friday, January 23 at the Village Hall in Stapleton from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Monday, January 26 at the Jennie M Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Thursday, January 29 at the Community Center in Sargent from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Monday February 2 at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
As a thank-you for those who come to give through Jan. 25, 2026, donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for full details.
All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
To find a local blood drive or make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.
