The local Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors.

Officials with the organization say that after the winter holidays there has been a donation shortfall. The Red Cross says that they collected around 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year's than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply.

In additional, sponsored blood drives were down during the holiday months.

Red Cross officials say that they are at emergency status.

Currently, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types on hand, which is well below the ideal, five-day supply needed to respond to emergencies and daily hospital needs.

The Red Cross asks all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help resolve the shortage. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).