JONESBORO, AR.(February 3, 2026) -The American Red Cross urges people to take action now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are asked to make a blood appointment as soon as possible.
Over 500 blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. In the Missouri and Arkansas region, 54 blood drives have been affected, with over 1,000 blood donations going uncollected. In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations. Patient care is at risk - donors in unaffected areas are asked to book an appointment to give blood now by usingthe Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitingRedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those in areas facing extreme weather are asked to give when it's safe to do so. All who come to give through February 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details. Upcoming blood donation opportunities through February 28, 2026:
Clay County Corning
2/26/2026: 9am-2pm, Corning High School
Craighead County
Bono
2/16/2026: 1pm-5pm, Church of Christ, 101 Craftsbury Lane
Brookland
2/18/2026: 10am-2pm, Brookland Church of Christ, 9664 US-49 Business
Jonesboro
2/9/2026: 12:30pm-5:30pm, American Red Cross, 2416 South Madison Street
2/16/2026: 10am-2pm, Valley View Church of Christ, 4500 Southwest Drive
2/17/2026: 11am-4pm, Arkansas State University, 101 North Caraway, Centennial Ballroom
2/18/2026: 11am-4pm, Arkansas State University, 101 North Caraway, Centennial Ballroom
2/20/2026: 9am-2pm, First Community Bank, 630 Southwest Drive
2/20/2026: 12pm-4pm, Southwest Church of Christ, 1601 James Street
2/25/2026: 11am-4pm, American Red Cross, 2416 South Madison Street
2/26/2026: 10am-4pm, St. Bernards Auditorium, 505 East Washington
2/27/2026: 9:30am-2:30pm, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, 4800 East Johnson
Greene County Paragould
2/12/2026: 10am-4pm, Paragould Municipal Utilities, 1901 Jones Road
2/17/2026: 10am-2pm, Greene County Public Library, 120 N 12th St
2/27/2026: 12pm-5pm, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, 900 West Kingshighway
Mississippi County Blytheville
2/18/2026: 9am-1:30pm, Tenaris Hickman Training Building, 5000 N Co Rd 967
2/20/2026: 10am-2pm, Blytheville Greyhound Bus Station, 106 North 5th Street
2/24/2026: 12pm-5pm, Ruddle Road Church of God, 1400 Ruddle Road
Randolph County Pocahontas
2/19/2026: 12:30pm-5:30pm, Sutton Free Will Baptist Church, 5421 US-62
How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
