A donation shortfall over the winter holidays is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care.

All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet 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). Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to prevent the shortage from worsening this winter.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through Feb. 15:

Midcoast

Bath

Wednesday, Jan. 23: 1 to 6 p.m., West Bath Fire Dept, 192 State Road

Wednesday, Feb. 13: 1 to 6 p.m., Saint Mary's Church, 144 Lincoln St.

Topsham

Saturday, Jan. 19: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Smitty's Cinema, 65 Topsham Fair Road

Friday, Feb. 1: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Stantec Consulting, 30 Park Dr.

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Noon to 5 p.m., Highlands of Topsham, 30 Governors Way