The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is experiencing low numbers this Winter. 

They report this is due to a number of blood drives they have had to cancel because of inclement weather.

Illness has also caused many potential donors to be unable to give blood.

According to Kirby Winn, a MVRBC spokesperson, “What you don’t see when you look at the weather forecast is just a higher degree of illness. We’re hearing about the flu around the region and just bugs going around. That affects a good degree of the population and it also affects people who would come out and give blood if they were feeling well. “

There are several places to donate throughout the Quad Cities that will help local hospitals. 

Visit www.bloodcenter.org or call (800) 747-5401 for information on how to donate.