A powerful winter storm that swept through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states has forced the cancellation of over 250 American Red Cross blood drives in recent days, resulting in more

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is calling for blood and platelet donations to prevent potential shortages during the critical winter months. The organization stresses the urgency of maintaining a steady blood supply as severe weather and seasonal illnesses threaten to disrupt donation efforts.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets, according to the American Red Cross. The winter season is the most difficult time of the year because severe weather leads to more crashes and falls, which puts more people in the hospital in need of transfusions.

The American Red Cross is asking donors to make an appointment to keep the blood supply high this winter. The American Red Cross said that collecting blood products is particularly challenging at the start of the new year,