The winter weather has forced the American Red Cross to cancel more than 300 blood drives across 20 states since January 1st.
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Every two weeks, Jim and Linda make the drive from Hutchinson to Wichita to donate blood and platelets.
Many of those who donated blood during a drive in Winchester on Tuesday were aware of the need and wanted to help.
YVCC students say giving blood was the least they can do.
An urgent need for blood donations has only grown worse with the intense winter weather this month, the Red Cross said. About 9,500 expected units of blood went uncollected over the weekend.
Despite the shortage, Shaw said it’s incredible to see so many generous people come out to give blood.
The Red Cross is asking eligible donors to roll up their sleeves and give blood.
Arcangelo said it’s an easy process that results in huge rewards.
The Red Cross needs about 14,000 blood and platelet donations a day to meet the needs of patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
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Appointments for blood donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-733-2767. The donated blood and platelets benefit a wide range of patients, including accident and burn victims, those having heart surgery and organ transplants, and those being treated for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease, the agency said.
