Blood donations dip across Philadelphia region amid winter illnesses and weather

Blood donations are lower than usual across the Philadelphia region after winter illnesses, colder weather and holiday scheduling reduced donor turnout; nearby New Jersey declared a blood emergency and reported about a 40% decline in recent weeks.

Blood donation centers across the Philadelphia region reported lower-than-normal turnout after a combination of winter illnesses, colder and snowier weather, and holiday scheduling affected typical donation patterns. American Red Cross staff described December as especially challenging and said the Red Cross lab is quieter than usual because donations have slowed. The Philadelphia Red Cross supplies blood to hospitals across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware and said supplies are tight even though a formal shortage had not been declared. In neighboring New Jersey, New Jersey Blood Services announced a blood emergency, citing steep declines in donations. Key reported facts: - The American Red Cross said December saw a surge in seasonal illnesses, including flu and norovirus, along with colder, snowier weather and holiday scheduling that reduced donor turnout. - Red Cross staff said lab processing areas are quieter and that donations are coming in at about the same pace as blood is going out to hospitals, leaving supplies tight but not officially in shortage. - New Jersey Blood Services declared a blood emergency, reporting about a 40% decline in donations over recent weeks and more than 10,000 fewer donations in that period, with less than a two-day supply in some areas. - The Red Cross noted a partnership campaign with Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and a nationwide drawing for donors through Jan. 25 as part of local outreach efforts. Summary: The slowdown in donations has tightened regional blood supplies and prompted public statements and emergency declarations from local blood organizations. The immediate status is that supplies are strained in places and officials are reporting efforts to increase collections. Undetermined at this time.