Saquon Barkley, a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, gives blood. The Eagles won the NFC East and clinched a playoff berth. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG – The American Red Cross is teetering on a post-holiday blood shortage this winter that could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care, according to the executive director of the Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley.

“Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now,” Sharon Kesselring said.

Blood donors through Jan. 25 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif., in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations from Feb. 6-9 and a $1,000 gift card for expenses.

“We’re also teaming up with pro football champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley to urge donors to make appointments now to help save lives this winter,” Kesselring said.

January is National Blood Donor Month. The Red Cross and the National Football League for the seventh year are partnering to encourage blood donations.

The Red Cross with Barkley, a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, which has clinched the NFC East title, are reminding donors that the best offense against a winter blood shortage is making and keeping blood donation appointments.

“I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out this fall,” said Barkley, a running back for the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles, in a release from the Red Cross. “It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing.”

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, the Red Cross said. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors also can save time at the next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online on the day of the donation before arriving at the blood drive.

Follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.