PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Snow storms in the south and wildfires in California have forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives this month, resulting in more than 12,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. "We don't want to create any panic, but we need to collect blood year round," said Kristopher Dumschat, Red Cross director of communications for Virginia. "It's just important for people to try to take the time the next couple weeks to schedule an appointment .. come give blood to make sure our hospital systems have the resources they need to save lives." The Red Cross is urging all healthy donors, especially those with Type O negative blood, to schedule an appointment within the next couple of weeks. "So we don't find ourselves in a situation in a couple weeks where our numbers have dipped to a point where we do have to declare some type of blood emergency," Dumschat said. Blood donations are used every day to treat people with cancer, blood disorders and in surgeries. "You never know when those blood products might be something you need if you're involved in a traumatic car accident or something like that, so what comes around goes around right," Dumschat said, "so let's help out if we are healthy and able and roll up our sleeves to donate that lifesaving blood." As an extra incentive to give blood, those who donate between now and Sunday, Jan. 26 will be entered for a chance to win tickets to this year's Super Bowl in New Orleans. All who come to give Jan. 27-Feb. 28, 2025, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. You can find a link to upcoming donation drives and blood donations centers here.