MADISON — Record-breaking cold and winter storms across much of the U.S. has forced the cancellation of hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives in about 30 states and caused more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products are available for patient emergencies when help can’t wait.

Every day thousands of patients rely on lifesaving blood donations. The need for blood is constant, even during snowstorms and the COVID-19 pandemic. To help ensure lifesaving patient care isn’t impacted, individuals in areas unaffected by severe weather are urged to make appointments to donate by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff — have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive.

Donation opportunities for Green County include:

Monticello - from 12 to 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E. Lake Ave.

Albany - from 12 to 5 p.m. March 4 at the Lions Building, 402 Cincinnati St.

Juda - from 1 to 6 p.m. March 23 at Juda High School, N2385 Spring St.

Lafayette County donation opportunities are:

Darlington - from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 2 at American Legion, 1400 Keep St.

Benton - from 1 to 5 p.m. March 23 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 237 E. Main

Shullsburg - from 1 to 6 p.m. March 26 at the Fire Station, 330 W. Water St.