NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) — The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives.

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. Nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected.

How to help

Find a blood donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites for more donors to give blood or platelets. Overall, the Red Cross has added nearly 200 hours to blood donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help speed up the donation process.

Who blood donations help

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood to save their lives.

The treatments high school freshman Payton Kannarr receives to fight leukemia cause her blood counts to drop. She currently receives platelet transfusions weekly and red blood cells about every two weeks.

“We have seen firsthand the incredible need for blood products as we have been on this four-year roller coaster journey,” said Amy Kannarr, Payton’s mom. “Through the care and compassion of donors, Payton has been able to enjoy life as a teenager.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Byrd Health Clinic, 7973 Strike Blvd. Fort Campbell, KY 42223
1/6/2017: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Dickson Cumberland Presbyterian, 500 Hwy 70 East Dickson, TN 37055
1/12/2017: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
1/9/2017: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
1/16/2017: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Governor’s Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville, TN 37040
1/16/2017: noon – 6 p.m.

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison Street Clarksville, TN 37043
1/23/2017: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

American Red Cross, 1760 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37043
1/30/2017: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.