Red Cross faces critical blood shortage as flu cases surge, winter weather threatens supplies

The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood donation shortage that could worsen with incoming snow, according to officials.

Jonathan McNamara with the Red Cross of Virginia said surging numbers of flu cases and other respiratory viruses are the biggest factor in the shortage, with illness preventing people from showing up to blood drives.

"Our hospital partners are stressed right now, with many other factors impacting them. When we get to a situation where our blood supply is as severely depleted as it is now, this is an emergency situation for our community that we need to respond to," McNamara said.

Click here to continue reading on WTVR.com, a Henrico Citizen partner organization.