The American Red Cross is asking people across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to schedule a blood donation appointment in the final days of 2025 to help keep the blood supply strong heading into 2026. The need is especially high right now for Type O, A negative, and B negative donors.

The appeal comes as record-setting holiday travel continues nationwide—when more families are away from home, donations often drop at the same time hospitals still need steady blood products for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and emergencies. The Red Cross also notes that winter weather and shifting travel schedules can lead to last-minute appointment cancellations, tightening supplies further.

How to donate: schedule through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).