Andy Tullis / The BulletinRed Cross phlebotomist Nicole Wood helps Daniel Duarte, of Bend, as he donates blood at the Bend Blood Donation Center on Tuesday. With heavy storms forcing the cancellation of blood drives up and down the East Coast, the Red Cross is looking for more donations.

Even though Central Oregon saw a mild winter, blood donors in the area can still do their part to potentially help other areas of the country that saw blood drives canceled during storms.

After severe winter storms in 27 states, the American Red Cross is taking precautionary measures to maintain a needed blood supply. Jared Schultzman, communications manager for the Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region of the Red Cross, says that to his knowledge no blood from Central Oregon has been sent out of the area to help, but it’s important for residents to donate now.

“The local need is always met here first,” said Schultzman, explaining area hospitals would receive the blood they need before any would be sent to other places.

“There’s never a lack of need, ever,” said Schultzman. “You always have to have a steady stream of donors.”

Schultzman said the nature of Red Cross work is unpredictable. Unexpected emergencies could call for a great need for blood at any time. It’s important to keep up blood unit levels in Central Oregon, and everywhere, when the weather is mild and no drives have been canceled as they have been in other states.

Right now the call for donors is a “pre-emptive strike,” said Schultzman — there’s not an emergency need now, but the Red Cross aims to prevent that from happening.

Bend residents can donate blood at the Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St., Suite 110.

— Reporter: 541-383-0325, kfisicaro@bendbulletin.com