The American Red Cross is urging the public to donate blood immediately as the national blood supply has dropped by approximately 35% over the past month, driven by increased hospital demand, widespread flu illness and winter weather disruptions.
According to the Red Cross, requests from hospitals are now outpacing available blood supplies, forcing some facilities to carefully ration blood products. The shortage is especially critical for type O, A negative and B negative blood.
High flu activity in nearly every state has sidelined many potential donors, slowing recovery efforts. Hospitals already strained by what officials describe as one of the worst flu seasons in nearly two decades are now also facing limited access to lifesaving blood products. Without an increase in donations, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, cancer patients and individuals with sickle cell disease — could face delays in care.
Winter weather has further worsened the situation. Approximately 400 blood drives were impacted by extreme weather conditions last month, more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. Thousands of potential donations went uncollected, and additional winter storms could cause further cancellations at a time when every unit of blood is critical.
“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn’t able to wait for critical care.”
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering several incentives. Those who donate blood through Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area, including tickets, travel, hotel accommodations and a $1,000 gift card. Donors who give between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Appointments can be made through the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities (Jan. 20–Feb. 3)
Bartow County
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Adairsville
Jan. 26 | 1–6 p.m.
Adairsville Church on the Square, 102 S. Main St. -
Cartersville
Jan. 22 | 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Bartow County College and Career Academy, 738 Grassdale Road
Jan. 27 | 12–5:30 p.m.
Cartersville Civic Center, 435 W. Main St.
Floyd County
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Mount Berry
Feb. 3 | 2–7 p.m.
Berry College Krannert Center, 2277 Martha Berry Blvd.
Polk County
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Cedartown
Feb. 2 | 2–7 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 144 Essex St.