St. Louis Faces National Blood Crisis: Urgent Need for Donors

Severe Weather and Wildfires Cause Thousands of Blood Donations to Go Uncollected

St. Louis – January 31, 2025 – The American Red Cross is in dire need of blood donations as the country faces a national blood crisis. Harsh winter weather and devastating wildfires have resulted in thousands of uncollected blood donations. The situation is critical, with a severe shortage of platelets and an emergency shortage of types O negative and B negative blood. Donors are needed today to help save lives.

St. Louis Comptroller Encourages Residents to Donate Blood

The office of St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green is urging residents to step up and make a difference by donating blood at its semiannual community blood drive. The event will take place on Monday, February 24th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Room 208 of St. Louis City Hall.

Comptroller Green’s February blood drive, held during Black History Month, pays tribute to Dr. Charles Drew, the physician and medical researcher who pioneered the development of large-scale blood banks during World War II.

Urgent Need for African American Blood Donors

The Red Cross is in urgent need of blood and platelet donors to meet the demands of patient care. There is also a continuous need for African American blood donors, particularly for sickle cell therapies.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

COVID-19 Pandemic Update

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the following measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of donors, volunteers, staff, and visitors to City Hall:

  • All blood donors must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org.
  • Learn more about precautions for City Hall visitors at Visiting City Hall.
  • Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center adheres to the highest standards of safety and infection control. Learn more about the Red Cross safety protocols at www.redcrossblood.org.

About Comptroller Darlene Green

Comptroller Darlene Green is the chief fiscal officer of the City of St. Louis and is dedicated to safeguarding the city’s credit rating and protecting taxpayer dollars. To learn more about the Office of the Comptroller, visit www.stlouis-mo.gov/comptroller.

 

Author