TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The American Red Cross is issuing a severe blood shortage warning after the national blood supply dropped by about 35% over the past month.
Experts said a combination of winter weather and seasonal illness has significantly impacted blood donations nationwide. Severe weather has caused hundreds of blood drives to be canceled, according to the American Red Cross.
While North Florida has avoided the worst winter conditions seen in other parts of the country, illness during the winter months has still made it difficult for many donors to keep their appointments.
“There’s a lot of sickness that floats around during the winter months, so obviously if folks are not feeling healthy, we don’t necessarily want them to donate blood,” said Hannah Marchbanks, regional philanthropy officer with the American Red Cross.
The shortage is especially serious for O, A negative and B negative blood types, which are frequently needed in emergencies, according to the organization.
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Marchbanks said national shortages often trickle down to the local level.
“Every two seconds, someone across the United States is in need of blood,” she said. “There are a variety of reasons as to why someone might need blood, whether it’s to help with a chronic illness, a trauma-related issue like a car accident, childbirth, or cancer.”
Locally, the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has only been collecting blood donations for the past few years and has relied on support from teams in Georgia and Alabama to help meet demand in North Florida.
The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Eligibility varies, but common reasons someone may not be able to donate include cold or flu symptoms, low iron levels, or recent international travel.
Here’s a list of upcoming blood drives happening in Tallahassee:
Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
American Red Cross chapter
Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311
Friday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
American Red Cross chapter
Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311
Friday, Feb. 27, 12–5 p.m.
FAMU Efferson Student Union
1628 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307
Monday, March 2, 1–6 p.m.
John Paul II Catholic High School
5100 Terrebonne Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32311
For more blood drive times and locations, visit www.redcross.org.
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