The winter storms that came through in the past few days had one other, less visible but significant effect: A drop in donated blood and platelets in the region.

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin urges people to act now to rebuild the blood supply after to donation appointments were disrupted across the state due to the storms.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation as soon as it’s safe to travel, the Red Cross said in a news release.

Over the past few days, more than 30 blood drives have been canceled across the Wisconsin region, causing more than 1,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by going to RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, with one result in 2026. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in March 1-31 will receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

To find a nearby donation opportunity, go online to RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to see available blood drives and donation centers in your area.

The American Red Cross accounts for about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

For more information on the other work it does, go to redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow the Red Cross on social media.