Wildfires and Winter Weather Decrease Blood Donation

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Red Cross is urgently seeking all blood types, with a special need for O negative and platelet donors.

Platelets are vital for trauma patients, cancer patients and those receiving treatment for chronic illnesses. Winter weather was not the only culprit for the lull in donations.

Regional communications manager for Red Cross central and southern Ohio Don Hawkins encourages those who can, to get out there and donate.

“Weather has impacted us both locally and nationally. We are a national blood bank; the blood goes where it’s needed most. We’ve lost thousands of units that would have been collected over the past month due to extreme cold, snow and ice, compounded by the fact that the wildfires in California have shut down hundreds of drives out there. We’re not in a shortage, but the supply is in a tough spot.”

As always, the red cross will be offering incentives. Those who donate now until the end of the month can receive a $15 e-gift card. Hawkins says the biggest part is getting over the fear of going through the door to donate.

“As a needle ‘fearer’ myself, I ask you to think of the impact you’re going to make on someone’s life. That’s someone that has a family and friends and people that love and care about them. Your blood is going to help that person. If the roles were reversed, you’d hope someone else made that donation so that blood is there when you need it.”

To donate blood, you must weigh over 110 pounds and have overall good health. The red cross would like to urge those who are sick or fighting off cold and flu-like symptoms to reschedule.

In the state of Ohio, you can donate at the age of 16 with parental consent and at the age of 17 on your own. You can choose to donate every 56 days. If interested, please visit redcrossblood.org to find blood or platelet donation centers near you.