Amid blood shortage Red Cross seeking continued support

Salt Lake City, Utah — The American Red Cross is citing the need for more blood despite a “significant and encouraging response to the dire need for blood across the nation”. In the coming weeks, the organization seeks continued support to offset the worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

Those interested in donating are encouraged to book the earliest-available appointments, allowing others to receive lifesaving blood without delay.

The Red Cross recovery effort has been complicated by weather after issuing its first blood crisis alert earlier this month. Winter storms led to the cancelation of hundreds of blood drives — forcing about 6,500 donations to go uncollected.

Krispy Kreme is helping by offering January blood or platelet donors a dozen glazed doughnuts “as a thank-you for coming out to help save lives during this blood crisis.” February donors will receive $10 gift cards from Amazon.