Blood supplies are critically low. Machines and equipment at the American Red Cross are going unused, officials say, as their donation center is empty. A wave of dangerous winter storms and ongoing wildfires in California have led to hundreds of canceled blood drives, leaving thousands of donations uncollected.

The Red Cross says the situation is putting hospitals and patients at risk.

“With the severe winter weather, not just here, but in regions south of us here that aren’t used to experiencing that and the wildfires out west," says Billy Brill, a Red Cross account manager. "We are about 12,000 units short of what our collection goal is.”

And it’s not just a national issue. The New York Blood Center has declared a regional blood emergency, reporting a significant drop in donations over the past few weeks.

“It equates to 6,500 fewer donations," says Andrea Cefarelli, a senior vice president at the New York Blood Center. "It is not uncommon coming out of the December holidays to experience some shortages. But that large a decrease is worrisome.”

Seasonal illnesses like flu and COVID-19 are also playing a role, making fewer people eligible to donate.

“If you were told before you weren’t eligible to donate," Brill said, "please consider going to the website to learn how we have expanded those eligibility requirements over the last few years.”

To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering special incentives. Now through Feb. 28, donors will receive a $15 e-gift card.

The Red Cross says 3% of the population donates blood normally, yet 65% are eligible to.

If you’d like to help, you can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. In New York, visit nybc.org or call 1-800-688-0900.