RENO, Nev. — In areas with more harsh winter weather, cold weather and storms often keep people from donating blood.

With fewer people donating blood, some parts of the country run the risk of having critical blood shortages.

To make sure there’s a dependable blood supply locally, United Blood Services is asking eligible blood donors in Northern Nevada to consider making an appointment to donate a pint of blood during the remaining days in January and the first week of February.

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“The flu season has hit our area and the impact on blood collections is obvious,” stated Steve Thomas of United Blood Services. “Our cancellations due to the flu have been running about 25 percent of our total appointments that have placed some strains on our daily blood collections.”

Additionally, United Blood Services has announced that blood usage within the Reno-Tahoe community has been trending upward of late, which further increases the need for residents to donate blood.

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To schedule your next lifesaving appointment with United Blood Services, call 800-696-4484 or visit BloodHero.com; walk-ins are always welcome.

United Blood Services provides a free cholesterol screening with each donation.

Volunteer donors must be at least 16, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.

This article was submitted to the Bonanza by United Blood Services.