WICHITA, Kan. – The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give a lifesaving blood donation.

They say blood donations often decline this time of year when donors get busy with holiday festivities and travel. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations, but the need for blood remains steady. On average, the Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood products every day for patients across the country.

Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in our area include

In Halstead, a blood drive will be held on December 1, from 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at the Halstead Fire Station, 121 W. 3rd Street

In McPherson, another one will be held on December 4, from 9 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., at Central Christian College, 1200 S. Maple

In Hutchinson, it will be held on December 5, from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle

Up in Inman, the drive will be on December 12, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., at St Peters United Church of Christ, 111 Pine

And in Hillsboro, the drive will be on December 15, from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., at Parkview Mennonite Church, 610 S. Main.

To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).