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By Pulse Staff
Here’s your chance to spread a little kindness—donate blood!
The University of Findlay will host a Blood Drive next week with the American Red Cross. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the AMU.
The American Red Cross announced on Jan. 20 that there is a nationwide severe blood and platelet shortage after the national blood supply fell around 35% in the past month.
The Red Cross says there may be a couple of reasons for the severe lack of donor blood. Hospitals are strained due to the high number of flu cases and with the shortage, hospitals must triage critical blood products.
Ohio Department of Health says there were 802 flu cases in Ohio the week ending Jan. 17 and 1,389 the week ending Jan. 11. There was only one case reported in Hancock County the week ending Jan. 17 but 15 the week before.
The Red Cross says more than 400 blood drives were affected nationally by winter weather, which also contributed to the shortage in donations. With more severe weather on the way this weekend, the outlook could become even more bleak for the nation’s blood supply. The shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative and B negative, according to the American Red Cross.
Northwest Ohio could see around 6 inches of snow this weekend. Spectrum News 1 Ohio Chief Meteorologist Eric Elwell says this will be a disruptive storm for Ohio with snow beginning Saturday evening. It will pick up quickly heading into Sunday but will be light at first. Severe weather may deter blood donors but also cause more need for donors in the case of treacherous road conditions and potential accidents.
While the need for donors is great, if you have the flu, a cold, or COVID, there are restrictions. The American Red Cross says do not donate if you have a fever or you are coughing up phlegm. If you are on antibiotics for sinus, throat, or lung infection or if you just don’t feel well on the day of donation, they ask you to wait before donating.
Organizers encourage all students, staff, and faculty who able to give to participate next week. Those donating at the UF blood drive may receive a $20 gift card for their donation. Those who want to participate can make an appointment online or walk in that day.
For those who want to donate sooner, you may get more than a $20 gift card. Donors before Jan. 25 can automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif., with access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. You can contact the local American Red Cross online or call (419) 422-9322.
The University’s last blood drive was Nov. 12, 2025. UF usually hosts two during the fall semester and two in the spring semester, according to Bev Roth, UF director of facilities scheduling and events. The next blood drive on campus will be April 20.
