The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and urgently needs blood and platelet donors to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.

During September and October, the Red Cross collected over 21,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than what hospitals needed. Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fewer blood drives in September and October coupled with hurricanes Michael and Florence, which caused thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, were key contributing factors to the current blood shortage.

“This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it’s important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without your generosity,” Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in a news release about the ongoing shortage.

“From traumas to ongoing cancer treatments, the need for blood doesn’t stop for the holidays.”

An additional 4,300 blood drives nationally — and approximately 80 additional drives in the area — are needed in December, January and February to help stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.

Donations often decline during the winter holidays when many groups postpone blood drives while regular donors are busy with holiday activities and travel.

Severe winter weather may also cause blood drive cancellations, contributing to fewer donations than needed.

To encourage donations around the Thanksgiving holiday, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross Nov. 21-24 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Locally, blood drives are being held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at Seven Holy Founders in Affton, 6737 Rock Hill Road.

Another event is being held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the Kennedy Recreation Complex, 6050 Wells Road in Concord.

Another event is being held from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Oakville Elks Lodge, 2726 Oakville Elks Lane.

In future weeks, a blood drive will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Grant’s View Library, 9700 Musick Road.

Ongoing donations can be given at the South County Blood Donation Center at 9230 Watson Road in Crestwood.