Red Cross urges healthy people to donate blood amid coronavirus concerns

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As concerns about the coronavirus disease rise across the U.S., the American Red Cross is urging healthy, eligible individuals to give blood or platelets now to help prevent blood shortages that could result from lower donor participation. 

Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation's ability to maintain its blood supply. 

As concerns over the outbreak rise, the American Red Cross is asking for blood and platelet donations from healthy donors. 

They're hoping to prevent blood shortages that could evolve from lower donor participation.

The number of people eligible to give blood is expected to shrink.

"Whether it's people in emergency situations, whether it's car accidents, people giving birth, blood is a vital part of our health care system and we need to make sure we have it available for patients," said American Red Cross VP Paul Sullivan. 

They say all blood types, especially type O, are in critical need.

To learn when and where you can donate, see just below: