Red Cross Is In Need Of Blood

January 5, 2009 9:29 a.m. EST

Miami, FL (AHN) - The America Red Cross said it is in need of blood donations nationwide to make up for a reduction in donations during the holiday season.

The organization said people historically don't donate as much blood during December and January.

The lack of donations is due to people being busier than usual during the holidays and the cold weather. This is especially true in the northern part of the U.S., which has been plagued with an unusually high number of storms this season.

This year, less than 5 percent of eligible donors have given blood.

This year's lack of blood donators has led the Red Cross to cancel many blood drives throughout the country.