The American Red Cross says it's facing a severe blood shortage and is urgent need of blood and platelet donors to give now in advance of the holidays, a time when the organization typically sees a shortfall in donations.
Communications manager for the New York Penn blood services region, Patty Corvaia, says they are starting their appeal for donors in mid-November, for good reason.
"We had 21-thousand less donations in October and September, and that's led to a significant, significant shortage," she said.
Corvaia says the Red Cross acknowledges the holiday season is always a challenge, so they are issuing the appeal for donors now.
She says volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed.
"They have an incredible impact on what we can do as far as getting to people who are eligible to donate blood and willing to donate blood," sh said.
Corvaia says the Red Cross needs to add over 170 blood drives in the region to stop the shortage from continuing through the winter.
For more on how to donate, or host a blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.