Winter weather is reducing Illinois' blood supply.

Winter storms have reduced blood donations in Illinois and the American Red Cross reports a 35% drop in the supply over the past month.

Winter weather has disrupted blood collection in Illinois, and officials report the state's supply has fallen to critically low levels. The American Red Cross announced the supply dropped 35% in the past month. Versiti Blood Center of Illinois said canceled blood drives, low donor turnout and some donation center closures contributed to the decline. Officials' update: - The American Red Cross reported a 35% decline in the blood supply over the past month. - Versiti Blood Center attributed the drop to winter-weather-related canceled drives, lower donor turnout and temporary donation center closures. - Versiti announced an urgent need for O-negative and O-positive blood and said donating in the days ahead is an immediate way to help restore stability for hospitals and patients. Summary: The decline has strained hospital blood inventories and is described by organizations as a severe shortage; agencies report ongoing efforts to address the shortfall. Undetermined at this time.