(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — Following recent winter storms, blood drives nationwide have experienced severe disruptions, which has prompted the American Red Cross to urge donors to take action to help rebuild the blood supply.

Since the start of the year, more than 500 blood drives have been canceled, which has resulted in more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected, according to a release from the Red Cross.

In the Central Appalachia Region, 30 blood drives were affected, with nearly 850 blood product donations not collected.

In addition to canceled drives, hazardous winter weather has created complications for transporting blood products, according to a Red Cross release, which has impacted hospitals in several areas. The release states that the shortfall is already affecting patient care, with some hospitals forced to delay elective procedures due to limited blood supplies. When inventories fall to critically low levels, trauma surgeons and other physicians risk blood not being available when urgently needed.

“Now is the time to give blood before doctors have to face difficult decisions about which patients can safely move forward with treatment, and who will need to wait,” the release said.

The Red Cross is asking for donors of all blood types, and donors can schedule an appointment using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those in areas experiencing extreme winter weather are encouraged to donate when it is safe to do so. To encourage donations, the Red Cross also said anyone who gives blood between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choosing. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com