Austin Residents Urged to Donate Blood as Winter Storms Threaten National Supply
As Central Texas braces for more winter weather, local and national health officials are sounding the alarm over a worsening blood supply crisis that could have life-or-death consequences for patients in need of transfusions. The American Red Cross, Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB), and America’s Blood Centers have issued a joint national call to action for blood donations, citing a 35% drop in the U.S. blood supply over the past month.
For residents across the Greater Austin area, the message is urgent and clear: donate now before freezing temperatures and icy roads shut down local blood drives.
Why the Blood Supply is in Crisis
The American Red Cross officially declared a severe blood shortage on January 20. The national blood inventory has plunged by more than a third in just four weeks, primarily due to a triple threat: harsh winter weather, a spike in flu cases, and the typical post-holiday lull in donations.
“Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Executive Medical Director for the American Red Cross.
Just last month, approximately 400 blood drives were canceled nationwide due to severe weather, causing thousands of donations to go uncollected — three times higher than during the same period last year. Austin and surrounding communities are now at risk of similar disruptions.
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Who Needs Blood the Most?
Blood and platelets are essential for a wide range of patients — including trauma victims, cancer patients, those undergoing surgery, and individuals with sickle cell disease. Certain blood types are especially in demand, including O positive, O negative, A negative, and B negative.
First-time mother Reihaneh Hajibeigi shared how a blood transfusion saved her life after she suffered a postpartum hemorrhage that caused her to lose nearly 40% of her blood volume.
“It was about 10 minutes from the time I started to feel faint until they had the blood in my system, and I was basically coming back to life,” Reihaneh said. “I think about the people who made it possible for me to live.”
Her story is just one of thousands that underscore the importance of having blood already available on the shelves before emergencies happen. Blood donations take up to three days to be tested and processed, so every day counts.
How Austin Residents Can Help Now
Local blood donation centers and mobile drives are working tirelessly to collect donations before the worst of the winter weather hits. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to help maintain a stable and accessible blood supply across Central Texas.
Here’s how to donate:
- American Red Cross: Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- AABB: Visit WhereToDonateBlood.org or call 301-907-6977
- America’s Blood Centers: Visit AmericasBlood.org or call 202-393-5725
Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Flu vaccination does not disqualify someone from donating, as long as the individual feels well at the time of donation.
Incentives for Giving Back
As a special thank-you, the American Red Cross is offering incentives for donors this season:
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Through January 25: Donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA.
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January 26 – February 28: All donors will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. More info at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.
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Local Impact and Community Power
Austin’s hospitals and emergency services rely heavily on a stable supply of blood to meet daily and emergency needs. As winter storms threaten Central Texas and the nation at large, community-wide action now can ensure that doctors and nurses are not left without the critical resources they need to save lives.
“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity, and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” Dr. Lawrence added.
Whether you're in downtown Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, or Cedar Park, every donation helps meet urgent medical needs — and even a single pint of blood can save up to three lives.
Final Reminders
Appointments can be made via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online, or by calling. You can also speed up your visit by completing a pre-donation health screening online at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
With more than 45,000 units of blood needed each day across the country, now is the time for Central Texans to step up. Giving blood is safe, fast, and deeply impactful — a life-saving gift that can't be manufactured, only given.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.