Blood supply running low; donors needed

After devastating winter storms swept across much of the nation, the American Red Cross was forced to call off hundreds of crucial blood drives.

The American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region said their supply is running low and hundreds of pints of blood are needed to make up for the losses.

Officials said the wintry weather has led to the cancellation of blood drives in 30 states, resulting in more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected.

“Right now, the Red Cross needs the help of healthy donors to overcome donation shortfalls from recent heavy snows, ice storms and freezing temperatures in parts of the country,” Lisa Landis, regional director of communications, said Monday in a press release. “Every day, even during severe weather, thousands of patients rely on lifesaving blood donations.”

Landis said donations are needed from healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, now to ensure blood products are available for patient emergencies when help cannot wait.

Here’s a list of upcoming blood donation opportunities in Berks County:

Tuesday: Sinking Spring Family YMCA, 4920 Penn Ave., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 2: Tower Behavioral Health, 201 Wellness Way, Bern Township, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 3: American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, 701 Centre Ave., noon to 5 p.m.

March 15: Crowne Plaza, 1741 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing, noon to 5 p.m.

Individuals are urged to make appointments to donate in the coming days and weeks by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.