If you are tired of reading about the American Red Cross’s blood supply crisis this winter, imagine how tired they must be of worrying whether they will be able to fill the need. For weeks now, the organization has been desperate, and the recent awful weather has made matters worse.

A series of storms meant approximately 600 blood drives were canceled due to dangerous snow and ice conditions. But patients still need blood. Because of the cancellations, the Red Cross is approximately 17,500 units short for blood and platelet donations.

According to the organization, complications arising from the omicron variant of COVID-19 are adding to the challenge. The need is so great, the Red Cross is now offering anyone who donates in February an emailed $10 Amazon gift card.

It shouldn’t take financial incentives to encourage people to roll up their sleeves during this crisis. But if that’s what gets folks in the door, so be it. Red Cross officials are asking donors “to make appointments now for the weeks ahead to help ensure accident victims, cancer patients and new mothers experiencing complicated childbirths have access to lifesaving blood product transfusions without delay.”

To do so, simply visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 800-733-2767.

We’ve spent two years now making decisions to do the right thing for the wellbeing of those around us. Many of us have already subjected ourselves to the poke of a needle as we got fully vaccinated and boosted — that’s three jabs. One more could make another big difference for someone. Get it done.