The winter months typically see a drop in blood donations and this season has been no exception, which has caused an urgent need for donors around the nation.

Severe winter weather has already forced the cancellation of over 150 blood drives in the country this season. Flu season and the holidays also make this a difficult time for blood centers to bring in donors. All of that has added up to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December, according to the American Red Cross. Because of this, the Red Cross is appealing to all possible donors to give blood in January, which is National Blood Donor Month.

While all blood types are needed and accepted, they emphasize the need for O negative, B negative, and AB, while also asking for platelet donations of any type. To find out how you can donate blood, click the links below or call 1-800-733-2767 for the Red Cross, or 1-800-287-4903 for LifeServe Blood Center.

https://www.redcrossblood.org
http://www.lifeservebloodcenter.org