Holidays can be hectic.  There's shopping, cooking, traveling and of course the every day details of life.  During this time of the year, people's minds are not focused on donating blood. That can mean area blood supplies can reach critical levels.  Winter months, just like the summer months, especially around the holidays, are tough times for blood collection.  

According to the Red Cross website, blood types O-positive and B-negative are at critical levels.  Blood types including A and B-positive and O and A-negative is the most needed and most requested by hospitals because it is the universal blood type.

According to the American Red Cross, only 5% of people who could give blood actually do. Blood can be donated every 56 days, and is used in a variety of health and trauma situations.  

To give blood:

• You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with a parent's consent).

• Minimum weight of 110lbs.

• You must have not donated whole blood in 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in 16 weeks (112 days).

• You must be healthy, well enough for normal activities. 

During the holiday season, the need for blood actually goes up because of the increased number of people on the roads, which can lead to more traffic-related incidents and accidents.

THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE IS THE GIFT OF LIFE...DONATE BLOOD!