The American Red Cross anticipates a blood shortage this holiday season.
Spokeswoman Cara Noble says there are plenty of reasons donations drop off in the summer months: Not only do high schools and colleges with regular drives shut down, people go on vacation. She says more than 40 percent of blood and platelet donors will be away over the holiday.
"Right now we're asking eligible blood and platelet donors to make an appointment right now so we can help prevent summer shortages. Patients don't get a summer holiday or a vacation from needing blood or platelets."
Noble says they are looking for people, whether they're vacationing or not, to take the time to donate in order to help combat shortages.
To find a drive near you, visit their website. The Red Cross is specifically seeking to replenish their plasma supply with the help of type-AB blood donors.
