GEORGIA (WALB) - The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm as it faces a severe blood shortage, urging eligible donors to give now to help prevent delays in lifesaving medical care.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations have dropped by about 35 percent over the past month, while requests from hospitals continue to exceed the available supply. Winter months typically strain the blood supply, but this year’s shortage has been intensified by extreme winter weather.

Last month alone, approximately 400 blood drives were impacted by severe weather more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. The shortage is especially critical for platelets and blood types O, A negative, and B negative.

“There’s no time to wait,” officials say, emphasizing that volunteer blood donors are essential to ensuring patients receive the care they need.

To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives. Those who donate through January 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. Donors who give between January 26 and February 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.

Anyone interested in donating blood or hosting a blood drive can call 229-436-4845 or visit redcross.org for more information.

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