There is a dangerously low blood supply in the nation, and the American Red Cross is encouraging residents to give blood.
Severe winter storms recently affected blood drives in the region and the nation, according to Red Cross officials. Many blood drives were canceled because of the weather.
Thousands of donors have come forward since the Red Cross issued its first blood crisis alert in January, but patient care remains at risk, Red Cross officials said.
More donors are needed to make appointments now for the weeks ahead to help make sure victims and patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood product transfusions without delay, the Red Cross spokesman stated.
To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor APP, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Everyone who comes to a Red Cross blood drive to give blood or platelets from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email, donated by Amazon.
In Wyandotte County, Cabelas will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 10300 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, Kansas.
To make an appointment for this blood drive, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.