ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross urges people to take action now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are asked to make a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible.
Over 500 blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. In the Missouri and Arkansas Region 54 blood drives have been affected, with over 1,000 blood donations going uncollected. In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations.
Patient care is at risk — donors in unaffected areas are asked to book an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those in areas facing extreme winter weather are asked to give when it’s safe to do so. All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
Hospital impact
Shortfalls in blood and platelet donations caused by recent winter storms are putting further strain on the national blood supply, forcing some hospitals to cancel elective procedures due to blood product shortages. When supplies are critically low, trauma surgeons and other doctors face the real possibility that blood could run out when it’s needed most. Now is the time to give blood or platelets before doctors have to face difficult decisions about which patients can safely move forward with treatment, and who will need to wait.
Upcoming River Region blood donation opportunities
Steeleville
2/4/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion Hall, 305 South Chester
Perryville
2/9/2026: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Heartland Baptist Church, 829 West St Joseph Street
Bloomsdale
2/9/2026: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Bloomsdale Elementary School, 6279 US Highway 61
Sparta
2/10/2026: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., VFW Post 2698, 1911 North Market Street
Sainte Genevieve
2/12/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ste Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, 800 Ste Genevieve Dr
Coulterville
2/23/2026: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Coulterville High School, 101 West Grant Street
Red Bud
2/24/2026: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Red Bud High School, 815 Locust Street
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.