Due to Winter Storms, Red Cross Urging People to Donate Blood Now

Thursday, March 19th, 2026 -- 11:01 AM

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin urges people to act now to help offset the impact of recent winter storms, which disrupted donation appointments across the state, and highlights the ongoing need to rebuild the blood supply.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation as soon as it’s safe to travel. Over the last few days, more than 30 blood drives have been canceled across the Wisconsin region, causing greater than 1,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

Help is needed right now, and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.

Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March. To find a nearby donation opportunity, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to see available blood drives and donation centers in your area.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.