The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors, particularly type O donors and those willing to give platelets. Severe winter weather across the nation has already led to over 25,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations since the beginning of the year, nearly reaching the total lost due to weather for all of 2024.

This shortage makes it critical for donors to schedule appointments now to ensure hospitals have the necessary blood supplies for patients in need.

Two upcoming blood drives in Abilene offer opportunities to help: The first will take place on Wednesday, March 12, in the Abilene High School gym from 7:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The second, the Abilene Community Blood Drive, will be held on Tuesday, March 18, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church Parish Hall.

For questions, contact Teri Benfer.