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Red Cross urges blood donations after severe weather cancels appointments

Red Cross to close Baldwin shelter Saturday at noon
Posted at 11:57 AM, Feb 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-22 11:57:06-05

MICHIGAN — The American Red Cross is in need of blood donations after record-breaking cold and winter storms cancelled more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations in parts of the U.S. this month, according to a news release Monday.

The organization is urging healthy individuals – especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products will be available for patient emergencies.

Blood is always needed, including during snowstorms and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals in areas not affected by severe weather may make appointments to donate blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

The Red Cross is also testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

SEE MORE: Versiti Blood Center of Michigan in need of organizations to host community blood drives