Red Cross seeking continued support during blood shortage

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite a “significant and encouraging response to the dire need for blood across the nation,”  the American Red Cross is citing the need for more. The organization seeks continued support in the coming weeks to offset the worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

Those interested in donating are encouraged to book the earliest-available appointments, allowing others to receive lifesaving blood without delay.

After issuing its first blood crisis alert earlier this month, the Red Cross recovery effort has been complicated by weather. Winter storms led to the cancelation of hundreds of blood drives — forcing about 6,500 donations to go uncollected.

In February, there are concerns about the omicron variant and more wintry weather. As such, the Red Cross is actively pursuing donations. Krispy Kreme is helping by offering January blood or platelet donors a dozen glazed doughnuts “as a thank-you for coming out to help save lives during this blood crisis.” February donors will receive $10 gift cards from Amazon.

Krispy Kreme will give blood donors a dozen free doughnuts