BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Every year there are over one thousand blood drives across Idaho to help keep up with the hospitals' demand for blood products.

"We need to collect about 250 units of blood here in Idaho every single weekday to meet hospital demand," said Matt Ochsner, communications director for Red Cross Idaho and Montana.

Just in January, Idaho faced the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, causing hospitals to ration their blood supply to patients.

"We literally had to choose who we were going to give blood to and who we couldn't give blood to, and unfortunately, some of those patients didn't survive based upon that," said Dr. David Klima, St. Luke's medical director for pediatric surgery.

While more people are donating, there's a concern that blood donations will diminish as we head into winter.

"Blood donations tend to slow down during the holidays, so it's very important that in the fall we continue to see donors come through the door," Ochsner said.

Whether you're an experienced donor or a newbie, everyone is encouraged to come help donate.

"We always need blood of all types," Ochsner said.

All it takes is a little bit of your time to help give the gift of life.

"Blood can't be manufactured. The only way that we can have a blood supply is through the generosity of people raising their hand, and rolling up their sleeves and donating," Ochsner said.

CBS2 and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, September 21, at the Boise Towne Square Mall from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Make an appointment to donate HERE and enter the sponsor code BTS or by calling 800-RED-CROSS.

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