March 1, 2023 11:00 a.m.  

The American Red Cross – Cascades Region, is urging people to roll up their sleeves and give blood or platelets after a late record snowfall forced the cancellation of more than two dozen blood drives.

A release said that resulted in the loss of nearly 700 units of blood.

Blood Services Executive Angel Montes said the organization essentially lost a days’ worth of blood.

Nationally, every day the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 units of blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations for patients who are currently undergoing medical procedures and treatments, at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App by going to www.redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-733-2767.