Georgia blood drives impacted as Red Cross faces shortage

Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood after recent winter storms led to a significant drop in donations.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 500 blood drives have been canceled nationwide, the organization said.

Suzanne Lawler, a regional communications manager for the Red Cross, said 24 blood drives in Georgia were affected, resulting in 613 uncollected blood product donations.

Lawler encouraged eligible donors to give blood, saying the process is simple.

Appointments can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As an incentive, the Red Cross is offering donors a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice for donations made between January 26 and February 28.