As holiday celebrations continue, the concern is rising for the nation’s blood supply, which has now dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to hold off on essential blood and platelet transfusions for patients.

Historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade persist for the American Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. 

The ongoing decline comes at a time of year when donations typically fall. Holiday get-togethers, school breaks and winter weather often lead to lower donor turnout, potentially further compounding the situation.  

Those who donate through Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl for more information.

If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply.

Valley-area locations accepting donations include:

Burbank

Dec. 30: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 N. Hollywood Way; Jan. 3: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., AMC City Walk, 125 E. Palm Ave.; Jan. 4: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Castaway Restaurant, 1250 E. Harvard Road; Jan. 6: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 N. Hollywood Way; Jan. 7: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., AMC City Walk, 125 E. Palm Ave.; Jan. 8: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 N. Hollywood Way.

Canoga Park

Jan. 6: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus Canoga Park, 21433 Strathern St.

Chatsworth

Jan. 9: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. John Eudes Catholic Church, 9901 Mason Ave.

Glendale

Jan. 4: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Maple Park Community Center, 820 E. Maple St.

Granada Hills

Jan. 5: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Drive.

Northridge

Jan. 3: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills, 10400 Zelzah Ave.

Sherman Oaks

Jan. 10: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Westfield, 14006 Riverside Drive.

Van Nuys

Dec. 30: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mid Valley YMCA, 6901 Lennox Ave.; Jan. 5: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Valley Presbyterian Hospital, 15107 Vanowen St.

Woodland Hills

From Dec. 30 to Jan. 10: For locations and times, contact the Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center at (818) 992-2020.

Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).