Red Cross cancels 15 blood drives in IA, WI due to cold weather

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Due to extreme cold weather, the American Red Cross canceled three blood drives in Iowa, resulting in 86 uncollected blood donations, as well as 12 drives in Wisconsin, resulting in 508 uncollected blood donations.

WHERE:    

American Red Cross Grant Wood Area Chapter, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Arvato Digital Services, Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

Berlin United Methodist Church, Berlin, Wis.

Dean Clinic, Madison, Wis.

First Congregational Church, Charles City, Iowa

First Reformed Church, Randolph, Wis.

Fort McCoy, Fort McCoy, Wis.

Gap Outlet, Lake Delton, Wis.

Holy Family Parish, Marinette, Wis.

Jon Lancaster Toyota, Madison, Wis.

Marinette County Courthouse, Marinette, Wis.

Nathan Hale High School, West Allis, Wis.

NewPage Corporation, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Platteville United Methodist Church, Platteville, Wis.

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside, Iowa

Historically, during the winter months, fewer donors make time to give blood because of competing activities, inclement weather and seasonal illnesses. However, every day, the Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood to meet the needs of patients at 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

As local residents are able to return to their normal activities following the recent sub-zero temperatures and it’s considered safe to travel, the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make a blood donation appointment. Blood donations of all types are needed to maintain an adequate supply for patients in need. Donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.