(INDIANA) - The American Red Cross is asking Hoosiers to roll up their sleeves this holiday season as blood supplies tighten across the state.
December is National Month of Giving, and officials say donations are especially important as hospitals face higher emergency demand and holiday staffing shortages. Blood types O positive, O negative, and B negative are in critical need.
The Red Cross says having "blood on the shelves" is what saves lives when emergencies strike, and encourages families to make blood donation part of their holiday traditions.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, or 1-800-RED CROSS.
To boost participation, the Red Cross is offering holiday gifts:
• Dec. 8-18: A $15 Amazon gift card.
• Dec. 19-Jan. 4: A free Red Cross long-sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last.
Those who can't donate blood can still help through financial contributions at redcross.org.