As winter storms continue to disrupt blood drives across Ohio, local health officials are urging Logan County residents to step forward and donate, with several opportunities scheduled in the coming weeks in Bellefontaine, Belle Center and East Liberty.
According to the American Red Cross, more than 500 blood drives nationwide have been canceled since the beginning of the year due to snow, ice and extreme cold, resulting in more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. In Central and Southern Ohio alone, 47 blood drives were affected, costing the region more than 1,200 potential donations.
Three blood drives are scheduled in Logan County in February, including events at Benjamin Logan High School, First United Methodist Church in Bellefontaine, Belle Center Cornerstone Church, and the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty. Red Cross officials say donations from unaffected areas are critical to stabilizing the blood supply while storm-related disruptions continue elsewhere.
Hospital officials warn that shortages are already forcing some facilities to delay elective procedures, while emergency and trauma care remain dependent on having blood readily available. Transportation challenges caused by winter weather have also complicated deliveries of blood products to hospitals.
Eligible donors of all blood types are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as conditions allow by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Those facing severe weather are asked to give when it is safe to do so.
As an incentive, all who donate between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Logan County
Belle Center
• Feb. 9 — 12 to 6 p.m.
Belle Center Cornerstone Church, 101 S. Center St.
Bellefontaine
• Feb. 4 — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Benjamin Logan High School, 6609 S.R. 47 East
• Feb. 17 — 12 to 6 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main St.
East Liberty
• Feb. 5 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Transportation Research Center, 10820 Ohio 347
Champaign County
Saint Paris
• Feb. 9 — 12 to 6 p.m.
Evans-Purk Building, 115 S. Church St.
Urbana
• Feb. 11 — 12 to 6 p.m.
Urbana Champaign County Senior Center, 150 Patrick Ave.
