Blood Supply Impacted by Winter Weather
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.
In the Western New York region, nearly a dozen blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, with 277 blood product donations going uncollected. In addition to disrupting blood drives, severe weather has made it more difficult to transport vital blood products, potentially affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations.
Eligible donors are asked to book an appointment to give blood or platelets via the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who donate through February 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
BROCKPORT
February 20, 12 to 5 p.m., Brockport Firemen’s Exempt Club, 248 West Avenue
CHURCHVILLE
February 23, 1 to 6 p.m., Riga Town Hall, 6460 Buffalo Road
ROCHESTER
February 18, 1 to 6 p.m., Calvary Assembly, 3429 Chili Avenue
February 19, 1 to 6 p.m., Gates Town Hall, 1605 Buffalo Road
February 25, 1 to 6 p.m., Chili Community Center, 3237 Chili Avenue
SPENCERPORT
February 13, 12 to 5 p.m., Ogden Community Center, 269 Ogden Center Road
Provided information
