The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives.  

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. About 90 blood drives were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,000 blood donations going uncollected.

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Alyson Barraza of the Connecticut Red Cross Blood Services Region.  “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”

How to help


Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process.

“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound impact on another human being,” said Barraza.

Who blood donations help


Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.

The treatments high school freshman Payton Kannarr receives to fight leukemia cause her blood counts to drop. She currently receives platelet transfusions weekly and red blood cells about every two weeks.

“We have seen firsthand the incredible need for blood products as we have been on this four-year roller coaster journey,” said Amy Kannarr, Payton’s mom. “Through the care and compassion of donors, Payton has been able to enjoy life as a teenager.”

Blood donation opportunities


Bethel

Jan. 6: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd.

Danbury

Jan. 16: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Danbury Fire Department, 19 New Street

Jan. 19: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Gethsemane Baptist Church International, Gethsemane Baptist Church International, 8 Delay Street

Jan. 21: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Ann's Place, 80 Saw Mill Road

Jan. 9: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Danbury Hospital RSM, Hospital Avenue

East Norwalk

Jan. 11: 1-6 p.m., East Norwalk Library, 51 Van Zant Street

Fairfield

Jan. 20: 1-6:45 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 1089 Fairfield Woods Road

Jan. 6: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., YMCA, 841 Old Post Road

Greenwich

Jan. 9: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue

Monroe

Jan. 7: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., I.B.E.W. Local 488, 721 Main Street

New Fairfield

Jan. 17: 1:30-6:30 p.m., New Fairfield Congregational Church, 20 Gillotti Road

Newtown

Jan. 10: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 1:30-6:30 p.m., Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St.

Ridgefield

Jan. 5: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Ridgefield Park & Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Rd.

Shelton

Jan. 13: 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m., R.D. Scinto Towers, 2 Corporate Drive

Sherman

Jan. 14: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sherman Volunteer Fire Department, 1 CT 39

Stamford

Jan. 21: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court

Trumbull

Jan. 6: 1:30-6:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main Street

Wilton

Jan. 9: 1:30-6:30 p.m., YMCA, 404 Danbury Road

About the American Red Cross


The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.