Severe winter storms and the flu and cold season are causing complications with blood supplies in Ohio and around the nation. Rodney Wilson of the central Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross says national blood donations are running 10 percent below the levels of last year.
Wilson says blood supplies usually decline during the winter months, and blood banks typically plan drives in advance to ensure hospitals receive needed supplies. But he says the series of strong winter storms have prevented the organization from making up for missed donations. To schedule a donation, call the Red Cross at 1-800-give-life.