Blood donations at a record low in 20 years, American Red Cross still asking for donations
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As harsh winter weather hit the country, the American Red Cross is also taking a hit, as they have received the least blood and platelet donations in 20 years. They are asking for life-saving donations during this shortage.
Since the beginning of January, about 370 Red Cross blood drives across 27 states were canceled due to the weather. According to the Red Cross, that caused more than 11,000 blood and platelet donations were not collected.
The Red Cross says that to have enough blood for medical procedures and treatments, they must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations per day.
If you are interested in donating, you can schedule an appointment on their website, download the blood donor app, or call 1-800-Red Cross.
In Columbia, there are multiple locations where you can go to give blood.
- Columbia Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center located at 1511 S. Providence Rd.
- Newman Center is located at 602 Turner Ave.
- University of Missouri School of Medicine located at One Hospital Dr.
- University of Missouri Memorial Union located at 518 Hitt St.
In Jefferson City, there are also locations you can go to donate.
- Jefferson City Blood Donation Center located at 3230 Emerald Lane
- River Region Credit Union located at 501 Broadway
- Department of Social Services located at 615 Howerton Ct.
- Highway Patrol Troop HQ located at 1510 E Elm St.
This month is National Blood Donor Month. The Red Cross has partnered with the NFL to urge people to donate. Those who donate blood, platelets, or plasma in January will be automatically entered in a draw to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl LVIII game in Las Vegas.
The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the entire country's blood supply.
