The American Red Cross earlier this week issued an urgent call for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter.

Because of busy holiday schedules in November and December, there were about 1,700 fewer blood drives compared to the previous two months, which resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations across the country — and as a result, a reduced blood supply.

The organization said it typically sees a decline in donations in January but is hoping to avoid a severe shortage.

Blood and platelet donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B- and A- blood types. O- is the universal blood type and can be transfused with any type of blood.

Help prevent a shortage by donating blood in an upcoming blood drive. Upcoming drives include the following:

• 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Wells American Legion

• 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 29, Hollandale Reformed Church

• 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 3, New Richland City Hall

• 2 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11, St. Theodore Catholic Church

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17, Riverland Community College

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 19, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 19, First Lutheran Church.

Donors must be 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent in Minnesota — weigh at least 110 pounds and generally be in good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. There is no upper age limit on who can donate.

Donors will have a mini-physical when they go into their appointment, and their hemoglobin will be tested.

People should not donate blood if they are not feeling well.

People can schedule appointments on the Red Cross’s Blood Donor app, by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.