This January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types, in order to help address a winter blood donation shortage. Severe winter weather has had a tremendous impact on blood donations already this year, with over 150 blood drives forced to cancel and causing over 5,500 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. This is in addition to the seasonal illnesses, such as the flu and hectic holiday schedules collectively causing problems to the American Red Cross. They have had more than 28,000 few donations than what they expected in November and December. While all blood types are urgently needed, there is a more critical need for platelets, Typo O-negative, Type B-Negative and Type AB. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling them at 1-800-RED CROSS.