Donors can easily give blood or platelets by visiting a nearby blood drive or donation center, or by scheduling an appointment either through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is calling for blood and platelet donations to prevent potential shortages during the critical winter months. The organization stresses the urgency of maintaining a steady blood supply as severe weather and seasonal illnesses threaten to disrupt donation efforts.

The American Red Cross is asking donors to make an appointment to keep the blood supply high this winter. The American Red Cross said that collecting blood products is particularly challenging at the start of the new year,