December 23, 2022 10:10 a.m.

Friday’s ice storm hitting much of Oregon and southwest Washington has forced the cancellation of mobile blood drives and fixed collection sites in affected areas until conditions improve.

Red Cross Cascades Region, Blood Services Executive Angel Montes said, “We are losing hundreds of units of blood across the region”. Montes said, “Unfortunately, this severe winter weather is coming at an already challenging time of the year to collect blood as many of our blood donors are away for the holidays”.

To help ensure patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross urges individuals to schedule an appointment to give blood once weather conditions improve.

To plan a donation, go to www.redcrossblood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-Red-Cross.