Red Cross Says Severe Weather Has Caused Statewide Blood Shortage

BLOOMINGTON -- The American Red Cross says severe weather across the country has led to a shortage of blood in Indiana.

Holiday traveling between Thanksgiving and New Year’s causes blood donations to drop off around this time every year. On top of that, severe weather has forced the cancellation of 300 blood drives nationwide since January 11, including 23 in southern Indiana.

“And that’s caused 674 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected in that area alone,” said Tiffany Taylor, external communications manager for the Tennessee Valley & River Valley Regions.

The entire country is experiencing a shortage, but Taylor says donations are used to serve the local area as much as possible.

“When someone donates, we’re going to try to meet the immediate need in that area first," she said. "Now, if Southern Indiana recoups, and doing good there, then if there is a need in one of the other 20 states throughout the nation that are experiencing what we’re experiencing, then some of the donations may be sent there.”

Donors can track where their blood ends up using the Red Cross smart phone app.