Salina Post
The American Red Cross has recently declared a critical shortage of blood supply nationwide.
On Tuesday, the American Red Cross announced a severe blood shortage after the national blood supply fell about 35% over the past month.
The reason for this shortage is due to severe flu outbreaks and winter weather activity across the nation. According to the American Red Cross, high flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild vital blood inventories to help patients and relieve pressure on hospitals.
Hospitals are forced to triage critical blood products, due to high flu activity.
Intense winter weather and freezing temperatures are expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, potentially delaying or canceling blood drives and forcing vital units of blood to uncollected. Last month alone, about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather.
The shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative and B negative.
Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk.
Urging donations
The American Red Cross is urging US citizens to donate more than ever before.
To donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment and learn more.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
- A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
- Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law. Kansas accepts 16-year olds), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
- High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.
To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Monetary donations and other ways to donate
You do not solely have to donate blood, as you can make a monetary donation or any form of donation as well. The American Red Cross will gladly accept any other forms of donations, as it will help the agency further its mission.
To make a donation of any kind, click here.
Locations to donate locally
Salina Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center - 120 W. Prescott
To find more locations to donate in Salina, or through any zip code visit here.
Give blood, chance to win trip to Super Bowl
Additionally, the Red Cross is thanking all donors who come out through January 25, by entering them for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, in partnership with the NFL.
The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.
For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
The Red Cross is also extending its thanks to those who come to donate Jan. 26-Feb. 28 with a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.