The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment now to help save lives.

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to almost 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. Snow storms and severe weather have also impacted donations. Nearly 100 blood drivers were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,100 donations going cancelled.

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment of the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region.” We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”

You can find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process.

“In about an hour, you can help save someone’s life. This simple act can have a profound impact on another human being,” said Sedlock.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery or transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.