LANSING — Winter storms and the flu does not just mean a lot of people are missing work and school — it also means they cannot keep their American Red Cross blood and platelet donation appointments.

The Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.

In 2018, severe winter weather forced about 600 blood drives to cancel, resulting in more than 17,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Widespread flu across the U.S. has resulted in lower turnout at blood drives as well.

Blood and platelet donations are needed in the coming days to help replenish the blood supply and ensure patients continue to receive lifesaving treatments. Donors can help even more patients when they invite a loved one, friend or co-worker to give with them.

People may make an appointment to donate this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 16 to 28:

Monday, Feb. 19

1 to 6:45 p.m.

Edwardsburg American Legion

25751 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Pleasant View Church of Christ

60550 Crooked Creek Road, Cassopolis

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families, officials said.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit the Red Cross on Twitter at @RedCross.