A critical need for blood in the past several weeks has the American Red Cross stepping up its blood-donation program.

The recent winter storm worsened the blood shortage, according to Red Cross officials.

“The Red Cross has severe winter blood shortage and is urging donors to #GiveNow to help save patient lives. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in,” reads the website for the Eastern North Carolina Region of the American Red Cross.

The recent winter storm forced the cancellation of at least 33 blood drives across the state. In December, at least 100 blood drives across the nation were cancelled because of inclement weather, resulting in at least 3,100 blood donations going uncollected, according to the Red Cross.

Overall bad weather and hectic holiday schedules for regular blood donors resulted in 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed, according to the website.

“The need for blood doesn’t pause for severe weather — it’s constant,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director for Red Cross Blood Services. “Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Eligible donors of all blood types are critically needed.”

Several blood drives are scheduled in Beaufort County and nearby areas during the next several days. There locations, dates and times follow:

• Tuesday — 1110 W. Fifth St., Washington (Masonic lodge), 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., sponsored by First South Bank.
• Tuesday — 401 E Second St., Washington, First Christian Church fellowship hall, noon to 5 p.m.
• Thursday — 943 Washington Square Mall, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday — 211 W. Second St., Washington, First Presbyterian Church, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday — 2766 S. Savannah Road, Belhaven, Bethany United Methodist Church, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday — 12327 N.C. Highway 32 North, Five Points Free Will Baptist Church, noon to 4:30 p.m.
• Monday — 234 Springs Road, Washington, idX Impressions, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Making an appointment to donate blood is easy: redcrossblood.org, Blood Donor App at 3cu.be/blood or 1-800-RED CROSS.