Severe winter weather across much of the country has had an adverse effect on more than just crops and roads.
The American Red Cross has estimated as many as 30,000 pints of blood normally collected during this period of the year went uncollected due to winter weather related cancellations of drives.
Janelle Jones, an account manager with the Red Cross, said the drop in blood collections has put the organization in a bind.
“We are in a ‘Critical Appeal’ period right now,” Jones said. “Thousands of units of blood couldn’t be collected due to canceled blood drives. The Red Cross is trying to make up for the losses.”
A Red Cross blood drive is set for Tuesday, March 1 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the East Brewton Civic Center. Jones said participating in the blood drive is extremely important to help bring donations up.
Red Cross officials say all blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.
To give blood, someone must be 17 years of age or older (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when coming to donate.
Contact the Red Cross at 867-3426 for more information.