The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors throughout Maine to give blood or platelets following recent winter storms, which have compounded a severe winter blood shortage.

Snow and icy roads forced 13 blood drives to cancel in Maine over the past week, causing about 343 donations to go uncollected. Since the beginning of the year, severe weather forced the cancellation of more than 300 blood drives in 30 states, resulting in over 12,000 uncollected donations.

“The need for blood doesn’t pause for severe weather – it’s constant,” said Mary Brant, external communications manager of the local Red Cross Blood Services Region. “Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Eligible donors of all blood types are critically needed.”

How to help

Eligible donors can find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process.

Who blood donations help

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.

Upcoming area blood donation opportunities

Brunswick

Feb. 16: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bank of America, 5 Industrial Parkway

Augusta

Feb. 16: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Eastside Wellness Center, 6 Elkins Lane SHS#96

Feb 21: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., Togus VA Hospital, 1 VA Center

Feb. 25: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Buker Center, 22 Armory Street

Topsham

Feb. 18: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Legion Post 202, 79 Foreside Road