The American Red Cross declared this week that the levels of type O negative and type b negative have reached emergency levels. Piedmont residents will have a chance this month to make a difference.

The Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the Piedmont Healthcare Center on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"During the winter holiday period … the blood supply really takes a beating," said Red Cross Communications Manager Evan Duffy. Duffy said that after a long month of celebrations and frenzied holiday activities, the blood supply suffers because a lot of their regular donors are out of the loop, so to speak.

"Also, high school and college students comprise about 21 percent of the total blood supply, so when those students aren't in class, we loose them as donors also," said Duffy.

The demand also spikes during winter months, says Duffy. " In the early part of the holiday period, demand rises due to increased travel and subsequent traffic accidents," said Duffy.

Yolanda Pierce is the Social Services Director at Piedmont HealthCare. "There's always a need for blood," said Pierce. The Red Cross has held blood drives at the center for the past four years. Pierce said that employees participate as well as folks from the community, and they've always been happy with how things went.

"Turnout has been really good. We've had amazing turnouts," said Pierce.

This year, the blood drive is offering a little something extra for donors. All presenting volunteer donors will be automatically entered into a quarterly drawing for a $1,000 gift card.

To give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds; you must be at least 17 years old, and you must be in general good health. All donors must have a photo ID or American Red Cross donor card.

The American Red Cross suggests that if you give blood:

• Double your fluid intake in the 48 hours leading up to the drive.

• Eat a nutritious meal the night before, as well as the day of, the blood drive.

• Eat iron-rich foods such as lean beef, broccoli, eggs, greens, shrimp or dried beans.

• Also consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

• Get a good night's sleep before the drive.

For more information, visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or to reach Piedmont Healthcare call 256-447-8258.