The Red Cross Association of Utah is urging Utah locals to donate blood after a winter storm across the Midwest has forced cancellation for over 250 Red Cross blood drives. This has led to the loss of over 5,000 blood donations.
Disasters of this sort are common during this time of the year. Winter storms, alongside holiday and travel plans, always halt blood donation appointments during the winter months, but the Red Cross is constantly in need of blood.
“In January 2025 the American Red Cross declared a national emergency blood shortage due to the declining number of donations,” Bronsen Snyder, a freshman population health major from Blanding, said.
Snyder works part time as a paramedic and these shortages are having effects in real time.
“Currently, less than 1% of ground ambulance agencies carry blood products, and as it stands, only 46-50% of ambulances carry blood products,” Snyder said.
Due to blood donation shortages, emergency services are not able to carry the ideal amount of blood they need in order to perform life saving procedures. This is one reason the Red Cross has called for more donation sign ups.
Other challenges include an uptick in illness in the winter months. Illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu may require some patients to receive blood donations.
“Blood is vital in the treatment of many various instances [like] trauma patients, out-patient services for treating numerous ailments/illness, and replacement of blood lost in surgery,” Snyder said.
Carla Weaver, director of medical services and health promotion at the Utah Tech Booth Wellness Center, said that not only can disasters interrupt blood donations, but also lessen the current supply of blood available.
“Disaster can interrupt blood donation supplies and if there are injuries, it can drain the supply of what they have,” Weaver said.
Severe winter storms can limit blood supply for a number of reasons. There can be damage to centers, donors can be prevented from leaving their homes and forced to cancel donation appointments, or staffing can be short.
Kate Ball, a junior nursing major from Syracuse, said that there is an option on the Red Cross website where students can sign up to receive text messages. The organization will frequently host giveaways or other rewards to encourage blood donations.
Plasma donations are another vital part of blood donation. St. George has two BioLife locations where students can donate plasma and even make some income.
Blood donations are a vital piece of essential health care. It is more important now than ever that students do their part and donate blood.
Students can aid in the Utah blood shortage by going to the American Red Cross donation center located in St. George. You can visit their website to schedule an appointment or call the center at 1-800-RED CROSS.
