More than 1,500 donations lost as storm closures and hazardous conditions disrupt collections statewide
RHODE ISLAND – Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has declared a blood emergency after last week’s historic winter storm brought record snowfall and forced widespread blood drive cancellations, donor center closures, and travel disruptions across the state.
More than 1,500 blood donations were lost due to storm-related disruptions, leaving the region with less than a two-day blood supply, well below the 7-day level needed to support local hospitals. While regular operations have resumed, rebuilding the blood inventory will take time. Blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, making consistent donations essential to maintaining an adequate supply.
“While the storm may have passed, the impact on our blood supply is ongoing,” said Hunter Shaffer, Vice President of Blood Operations at Rhode Island Blood Center. “Hospitals and patients rely on blood donations for emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and other ongoing medical needs. We encourage eligible donors to roll up their sleeves and help restore our community’s blood supply.”
Community support is urgently needed. Healthy, eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at a donor center or attend a community blood drive as soon as it is safe to travel. Every donation can help save up to three lives and is essential to rebuilding the state’s blood inventory.
“The recent blizzard and elevated rates of flu and other respiratory viruses over the last several weeks have created an urgent need for blood donations in Rhode Island,” said Dr. Jerry Larkin, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “I urge everyone who is eligible to schedule an appointment to donate. When you donate blood, you are helping women and newborns during complications with childbirth, people battling blood cancer or undergoing chemotherapy, people who suffered trauma in an accident or disaster, or even people needing surgeries and organ transplants.”
Rhode Island Blood Center reminds donors that all donor centers are safe, warm, and accessible, and staff are working diligently to accommodate as many donors as possible during this recovery period.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit ribc.org or call 401.453.8383.
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About Rhode Island Blood Center
Founded in 1979, Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) has served Rhode Island and the New England area for more than 45 years, delivering more than 90,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 50+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. RIBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. RIBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ribc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.