The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to start the new year off right by coming to donate at the Evansville Donorama blood drive on Monday, Jan.19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Southwestern Indiana Prevention Center. Everyone who attempts to give will enjoy chili and sandwiches during the drive.

The winter months are traditionally a challenging time for blood donation. Inclement weather and flu outbreaks can cause low donor turnout and even cancellations of blood drives. Since 1970, January has been observed as National Blood Donor Month to highlight the difficulty of collecting enough blood and platelet products to meet patient needs.

Through the beginning of January, donations are down approximately 15 percent overall from what the Red Cross needs to maintain a sufficient supply of blood and platelets for patients in need. The Red Cross must collect about 15,000 units of blood each day in order to keep up with demand.