The nation’s largest blood provider is raising a red flag, saying the deep freeze has caused an emergency need for blood and platelet donations. A spokesperson for the American Red Cross, Jessa Merrill tells News & Guts:

“This week’s record-breaking cold has had a severe impact on our ability to collect lifesaving blood and platelet donations– canceling drives from Minnesota to New York. Right now, the Red Cross is doing everything we can to ensure patients have the blood they need, but we can’t do it alone.”

Thirty states have experienced blood drive cancellations, including Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. In  January, 450 Red Cross blood drives were canceled because of the weather, leaving more than 14,000 blood donations from being collected. They received 75% fewer donations than average in the last week of January because of the weather.

Merrill adds, “The need for blood doesn’t stop for winter weather… Right now, the Red Cross is urging people unaffected by this winter weather to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets today.”

Watch the video above for more and visit RedCrossBlood.org to find blood drives near you.