Red Cross Urges Perry County Donors to Prevent Winter Blood Shortage
On January 5 the American Red Cross called for donors to make appointments to give blood or platelets as the region faces a potential winter shortage that could disrupt lifesaving care. Donors in Perry County and nearby counties can help immediately; blood types O, A negative and B negative are especially needed.
On January 5 the American Red Cross urged people to schedule blood and platelet donations now after the holiday season and winter weather strained the blood supply. The organization says shortages could disrupt hospitals' ability to provide critical care if collections do not increase in the coming weeks.
Local drives are scheduled across the region through January 31, 2026, giving Perry County residents multiple chances to help. In Perry County, a drive will be held in Tell City on January 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Perry County Chamber of Commerce, 601 Main St. Additional donation events are planned in nearby Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Martin, Spencer and Warrick counties between January 5 and January 31.
The Red Cross flagged a particular need for blood types O, A negative and B negative, which are often in high demand for emergency transfusions and for patients with rare blood type needs. Donors of any type can help stabilize local hospital inventories and reduce the risk that clinicians must delay procedures or ration blood products.
As an incentive, anyone who donates blood or platelets from now through January 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. The prize includes in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three nights of hotel accommodations (Feb. 6–9, 2026), and a $1,000 gift card for expenses.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. If you are unable to donate, consider a financial contribution to support the Red Cross’s lifesaving work; monetary donations help cover the costs of collecting, testing and distributing blood products.
Local hospitals rely on community donors year-round, and winter conditions combined with busy holiday schedules can quickly create gaps. Filling those gaps helps ensure that routine surgeries, cancer treatments and emergency care continue without interruption. Scheduling a donation or spreading the word to friends and family can make a direct difference for patients in Perry County and surrounding communities in the weeks ahead.
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