Forty-one-thousand blood donations are needed each day across the United States according to the Red Cross. In the winter months, the supply of donated blood usually dwindles which is why National Blood Donor Month happens in January. It is to serve as a reminder to donate. According to Kirby Winn, Director of Public Relations with the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, donations often fall sharply this time of year due to holidays and poor weather. Area blood drives this week can be found in Brighton, Letts and Keota. To find blood drive information visit bloodcenter.org

Brighton’s drive is at Brighton City Hall from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to register follow the link: https://www.bloodcenterimpact.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=68419&zc=52540To find a location to donate visit bloodcenter.org.

The drive in Letts is 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Letts Library Community room. Follow the link to register: https://www.bloodcenterimpact.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=68602&zc=52754

Keota will also have a blood drive on Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church those interested in donating may register here: https://www.bloodcenterimpact.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=68936&zc=52248