The American Red Cross says blood drives canceled due to the harsh winter have caused a blood shortage.

March storms forced the cancellation of more than 200 blood drives, resulting in nearly 7,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. This shortfall follows more than 26,400 uncollected blood and platelet donations in February due to severe weather across 27 states.

In the New York-Penn Red Cross Blood Services Region, approximately 25 blood drives were cancelled since February 1, causing 615 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, Red Cross says.

“Blood products are being delivered to hospitals almost as quickly as they come in,” said Cara Leyna Noble of the New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Donors who give now aren’t just restocking our shelves, they are making sure hope continues to be available for patients in need.”

The Red Cross urges donors of all blood types to make and keep appointments to help restock its shelves. Platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types – O negative, A negative and B negative – are particularly encouraged to give in the days and weeks to come to help replenish the blood supply.

Appointments: 1-800-733-2767