The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years.

The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Over the last two decades, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%.

There was a nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations to the Red Cross between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone.

In recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood to hospitals – Type O is among the most transfused blood types.

To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood DOT org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).