The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations after a slow holiday season.
The Red Cross says nationally it saw 1,700 fewer blood drives in November and December compared to the previous months. That resulted in 50,000 fewer donations.
"The holidays, everybody gets a little busier and [have] other things on their plate and blood donations kind of go to the back burner and so we do see a decline," said Heather Jex, donor recruitment manager for the American Red Cross Arizona Region.
Severe weather in some parts of the country also led to the cancelation of blood drives. While that did not happen in Arizona, Jex says the Arizona Region does help other regions in need.
The Red Cross says to prevent a shortage, it's looking for donors of all types especially O, AB, B negative and A negative.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
To make a donation appointment online, click here. You can also schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767.
