St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  The American Red Cross is in desperate need of blood.

The severe winter blood shortage has prompted the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and platelet donors after 37,000 fewer donations were given in November and December than expected, including 319 here in the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Joe Zydio, communications manager, Missouri-Illinois Red Cross Blood Services.

“We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.” added Zydio.

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.