COLUMBIA, MO — Winter storms and the flu don’t just mean a lot of people are missing work and school. It also means they can’t keep their American Red Cross blood and platelet donation appointments. The Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.
In 2018, severe winter weather forced about 600 blood drives to cancel, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. And, widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives.
Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatments. Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.
The upcoming blood donation opportunities are as follows:
- February 22nd from 2pm to 6pm at Downtown Belton Mainstream Inc. – located at 322 Main Street in Belton.
- February 23rd from 12pm (noon) to 5pm at Missouri Veterans Home – located at 1300 Veterans Road in Warrensburg.
- February 27th from 11am to 3pm at Belton Regional Medical Center – located at 17065 South 71 Highway in Belton.
