How to donate blood in New Orleans after winter storm

America's blood supply faces a critical shortage after this week's winter storm.

Why it matters: The Red Cross said blood donations were already down 35% nationally in the past month, reports Axios' April Rubin, and the storm resulted in more than 10,000 missed donations.

Zoom in: Acadiana hospitals are already struggling.

• Two Lafayette facilities are especially in need of type O blood, KATC reports.
• A negative and B negative are also facing serious shortages, the Red Cross said.

How to donate: Stop by the Ochsner Blood Bank or one of the Blood Center's locations.

Queasy about donating? Our Axios Columbus colleague Alissa Widman Neese is a regular donor, and the self-described needle wimp has these tips:

🍎 Eat and hydrate. Alissa sometimes feels tired after donating, but she's never felt sick or fainted.

💪 Wear something baggy. You need to access the bend of your arm.

🙋‍♀️ Ask for help. If you're a hard stick, request that the person in charge draw your blood.

👥 Bring a friend. Twice the impact!

🧦 Check for promos. The Red Cross is giving donors a $20 e-gift card through Feb. 28.