Red Cross Red Cross Issues Plea For Blood Donations The American Red Cross says this is because of the severe winter weather impacting parts of the country. Over 150 blood drives were canceled, causing over 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. The flu season and holidays largely contributed to a shortage of 28,000 blood donations in November and December. Presently, the biggest necessities are Type O negative and B negative blood donations, as well as blood platelet donations often needed by cancer patients. Blood donation appointments can be scheduled on the American Red Cross website.