The American Red Cross recently reported that inclement weather last week resulted in more than 1,600 units of blood and platelets that could not be collected due to donation center closures, canceled blood drives and the inability of donors to attend blood drives.

The American Red Cross is urging all donors to donate as soon as possible.

There is a special need for type O and type B blood donors.

Winter weather often causes delays and cancellations for schools, work and community events. But it also means cancellations of vitally important blood donation opportunities.   

Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year.

Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

For more information or to find a blood donation opportunity near you, call 1 (800) RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.