Severe winter conditions continue to disrupt the local blood supply

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Although the recent winter storm has moved out of the region, lingering ice, snow, and sustained below-freezing temperatures continue to create hazardous travel conditions, significantly impacting healthcare operations and the local blood supply.

Since the onset of winter weather, 86 community blood drives have been canceled, resulting in the loss of more than 1,600 anticipated blood donations. With schools and universities remaining closed and limited opportunities for educational blood drives, Our Blood Institute (OBI) is now missing an estimated 700 blood donations each day from these locations alone.

These prolonged disruptions are already affecting patient care. OBI is currently facing critical shortages of platelets and O-negative blood—both essential for trauma response, cancer treatments, and emergency surgical procedures.

Earlier this month, OBI declared an emergency blood shortage as inventories dropped to dangerously low levels. While donor response at that time helped stabilize supplies, the continued impact of severe winter conditions has quickly reversed that progress, placing the region back into an emergency shortage.

Unlike typical winter events that resolve within a day or two, many neighborhoods and secondary roads remain unsafe due to persistent ice and repeated refreezing. These conditions have also led to staffing challenges, as OBI employees continue to navigate hazardous travel conditions to maintain operations.

“When freezing temperatures linger, the impact on the blood supply compounds quickly,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors who stepped up earlier this month, but the reality is that even a few days of missed donations can quickly put patients at risk.”

All blood types are needed at this time, with an urgent demand for platelet donors and O-negative donors. Donation appointments are available at Our Blood Institute donor centers for individuals who can safely travel. Community members are encouraged to donate once conditions improve and it is safe to do so, helping to stabilize the blood supply for patients across the region.

To thank donors who give during these challenging conditions, OBI is offering a blood donor sweatshirt to all donors who give on Wednesday through Friday, while supplies last.

Anyone healthy and 16 years old or older is eligible to donate. The donation process typically takes about one hour, and a single donation can save up to three lives. Appointments can be scheduled online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Eligibility requirements: 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; individuals 18 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds. A photo ID is required.