The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter. An upcoming blood drive is scheduled Friday, 2-6 p.m., at the Farmville Train Station.

“A decline in the blood supply after the winter holidays is not uncommon, but it can be replenished when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to help save lives,” director of donor recruitment for the Red Cross Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian Blood Services Regions Ryan Cocoran said.

“We encourage our generous donors who are eligible, as well as new donors, to make an appointment to give blood or platelets and help ensure blood products continue to be available for patients. Every two seconds a patient in the U.S. needs blood.”

January is National Blood Donor Month, which has been observed since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood donations during the winter. Donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).