An early flu season coupled with winter storms has caused a nationwide blood shortage and led to the cancellation of some blood drives in Maine.

American Red Cross officials are encouraging donors to step up and help alleviate the shortfall, the worst since August 2024, when extreme heat and Hurricane Debby caused national blood shortages.

“A lot of people don’t think about donating. We are trying to encourage people who have never considered donating to go ahead and donate, maybe go along with a friend who has donated before,” said Jennifer Costa, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Northern New England Region, which covers Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The Red Cross is offering $15 Amazon gift cards as an incentive to donate blood, and also free screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The blood supply fell 35% in January, according to Red Cross officials, and is still experiencing difficulties. About 13.6 million pints of blood are donated per year in the U.S., according to the Red Cross.

“A lot of people don’t think about donating. We are trying to encourage people who have never considered donating to go ahead and donate, maybe go along with a friend who has donated before.”

Jennifer Costa, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Northern New England Region

In Maine, blood drive cancellations in Freeport, Sanford and Jay resulted in 79 fewer pints of blood being collected during the Feb. 22-23 winter storms, Costa said in an interview Tuesday.

At the Red Cross’ Portland clinic, Ken Ziglar was donating blood, like he has done for more than 50 years.

“It’s a civic responsibility,” said Ziglar, 78, of Scarborough. He said his appointments this winter have not coincided with storms so he’s been able to keep donating. “I’ve just always thought that if you are able, this is something you can do, and it’s needed.”

Ryan Bertin, Portland’s fixed site supervisor for the Red Cross, said the Portland location is down about 5% to 10% this winter, but other locations in New England have experienced more canceled appointments.

“The weather this winter has been particularly difficult for us,” Bertin said. He said even if it’s not a major snowstorm, if there’s significant snowfall many donors will cancel their appointments.

Flu and cold season have also been factors.

“That’s the first question we ask, is if you are feeling healthy and well,” Bertin said.

Maine needs about 130 pints of blood per day for its medical needs, Costa said, such as surgeries and cancer treatments.

The nation’s blood supply can be moved to cover shortage areas, Costa said. But each donated pint must be used within 42 days or it has to be discarded.

“We have the ability to move blood to where it needs to go whenever and wherever it’s needed,” Costa said.

Dr. Nate Mick, associate chief medical officer/vice president of medical affairs at Maine Medical Center in Portland, said the blood supply is crucial, not only for planned surgeries, but emergencies like vehicle accidents.

“Blood has a shelf life, so you can’t stockpile it like you can for medical supplies,” Mick said in an interview. “Supply and demand have to be fairly well matched.”

Mick said hospital operations have not been disrupted by the shortage.

“We aren’t at the ‘pull the alarm cord’ threshold. We are doing OK,” he said.

Kimbre Varney, of Auburn, said she donated blood last fall and is scheduled to donate this month at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, so her donations haven’t been impacted by the weather.

Varney said she received blood transfusions for severe anemia in 2008. She’s since recovered to where she no longer needs the transfusions, and she’s happy to be “at a point where I can give back.”

Varney, 37, is a runner and triathlete, and she normally plans donations around her fitness activity. But she said with the nationwide blood shortage, she made it a priority to make a donation appointment and put her training schedule second.

“This is able to save lives,” she said in an interview. “When you realize the impact that truly has on other people’s families and their ability to continue on in life, it’s worth taking time out of your schedule, your busyness of life — because it matters.”

To donate blood, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 866-236-3276.

Staff Writer Hannah Kaufman contributed to this story.