Red Cross Needs More Donations

Officials with the Red Cross say that severe winter weather since January 1 has forced the cancellation of more than 300 blood drives across 20 states, resulting in more than 9,500 donations uncollected.

In the Southern Blood Services Region that serves Georgia and parts of South Carolina and Florida, four blood drives were cancelled on Friday, causing nearly 100 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

The Red Cross says it must collect about 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood. Also, those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent in most states. To make an appointment to donate blood to the American Red Cross, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).