Red Cross: Blood donations needed

American Red Cross officials are urging area residents to be donors and give blood now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply during the month of February. 

The public can book a time to give by going online to RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross blood donor app, or calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Officials said that people of all blood types — especially type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals — are needed daily to ensure blood products are available for hospitals at a moment’s notice.

As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives and the ability to provide critical blood products to hospitals.

"While thousands of donors have answered the call to donate in recent weeks to combat a significant drop in the blood supply, more donors are needed now to ensure the blood supply remains ready for those in need of lifesaving medical procedures," officials said.

To thank donors, Red Cross officials said that everyone who donates during the month will get a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Heart.