American Red Cross needs blood and platelets

 The American Red Cross is asking for healthy individuals to step up to help patients experiencing health crises by donating blood or platelets.

Officials say as COVID-19 continues to affect everyday life, people may not be thinking about blood donation, but blood and platelets are needed daily to help patients battling disease and facing the unexpected.

Donating blood is an easy way to care for each other and ensure hospitals have the blood products patients rely on, according to officials.