Red Cross warns low blood supply, launches Super Bowl drawing

The American Red Cross issued a regional alert on Jan. 14, saying blood inventories across western and central Oregon are lower than needed and mobilized a donation incentive that runs through Jan. 25. Donors during the promotion are eligible for a drawing that includes a Super Bowl prize package with airfare, hotel and game tickets, part of an effort to bolster donations after a winter slump.

Low supplies in recent weeks reflect predictable seasonal pressure on the blood supply. Cold weather, holiday travel and storm-related cancellations often keep regular donors at home and force organizers to postpone drives, the Red Cross said when it announced the campaign. That shortfall can affect routine surgeries, emergency care and treatment for patients who rely on transfusions, including those at hospitals serving Lane County.

For residents of Lane County, the appeal is immediate: community blood drives and fixed donation centers in western and central Oregon were included in the Red Cross listing of events tied to the Jan. 25 drawing. While specific drive schedules vary, the organization urged donors to look for nearby appointments and walk-in opportunities to help stabilize inventory in the coming days.

The Red Cross emphasized that blood donations are screened and that donation centers follow safety protocols during winter months to protect donors and staff. Seasonal illnesses and hazardous road conditions are common reasons drives are canceled, reducing collections when demand remains steady. Health systems in the region typically rely on a continuous flow of donations to maintain safe levels of all blood types.

Lane County’s hospitals and clinics are the local beneficiaries of any uptick in donations, and community organizers often partner with schools, businesses and faith groups to host drives. Donors can help by scheduling appointments at nearby events, spreading the word to family and neighbors, and accounting for travel conditions when planning to give.

To find donation sites and appointment times, the Red Cross directs people to its blood donor resources. Because the drawing runs through Jan. 25, donors who schedule and give in that window will be entered for the Super Bowl package; after the deadline, replenishing the supply remains a daily need.

What this means for readers: a short trip to a local drive this week can have an outsized effect on patient care across the region, and may also enter donors into the contest. Expect more appeals if winter weather persists, and check donation schedules before heading out so your effort counts when supplies are needed most.