The American Red Cross is running low on blood, and the blood donation shortage is nationwide. Local donors can help out this week. Fewer donors than needed gave over the holidays, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals.
Sharon Watson, spokesperson for the American Red Cross, says this has resulted in an emergency blood shortage.
Anyone that gives blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. For details on the contest visit www.redcrossblood.org.
Locally, the next American Red Cross Blood Drive is Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Mercer County VFW.
Walk-ins are welcome or you can make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS.