The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent a shortage this winter. Communications Manager for the Red Cross, Jan Hale says busy November and December schedules contributed to fewer blood drives  and that means there were fewer donations and reduced the blood supply.

Since 1970, January has been observed as National Blood Donor Month.  The Red Cross has a goal of increasing blood donations during the winter - one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood donations to meet patient needs.

Hale urges you to make an appointment to donate. The Red Cross must collect about 14,000 donations every day to meet demands.  You have several opportunities locally.  In Bartlesville, you can donate on Monday the 18th at the Red Cross Office at 601 South Jennings from noon to 6 or at Patriot GMC Hyundai on Friday the 22nd from 11 to 4.  In Copan, you can donate Thursday, January 28th between 9 and 2 at Copan High School.

Walk-ins are welcome or you can make an appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS.