Red Cross Still In Need of Blood Donations This Holiday Season

As the holiday season continues, the American Red Cross continues to call for blood donations.

The agency says that during the final two weeks of 2015, the Red Cross needed to collect more than 175,000 blood and platelet donations to keep up with demand across the country.

However, American Red Cross Spokesperson Tiffany Taylor said the holiday season is often a tough time for blood donations.

“In the wintertime, we typically tend to have fewer donations made due to the time of year, because of holiday plans, travel, winter weather, as well as seasonal illnesses like the flu,” said Taylor.

The Red Cross said all blood types are needed, but especially needed are Type AB, O, A negative, and B negative blood, along with platelet donors.

Taylor went on to say that giving blood is something a lot of people are eligible to do.

“Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health are eligible to donate blood,” said Taylor, who added those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent in most states.

To make an appointment to donate blood to the American Red Cross, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).