American Red Cross Illinois says blood donations are desperately needed as the country faces its most severe blood supply shortage in 20 years. Officials report the number of blood donors has fallen by 40% over the past couple of decades. They add that the number of blood donations in recent weeks have been given to hospitals faster than they are coming in. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Red Cross officials said there was a nearly 7,000-unit shortfall when it came to blood donations.

94.1 WGFA