The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis on Tuesday due to a major blood shortage.

American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Christy Peters tells 21 News that this is the first time the Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, and that this is the worst blood shortage the organization has seen in over a decade.

Peters tells 21 News there is a multitude of reasons the northern Ohio area has seen such a strong decline in blood donations for the past few months including the rise in COVID cases, less healthy donors and the holidays.

Additionally, the Red Cross is facing staffing challenges, as whenever a staff member tests positive for COVID, there's less staff available to draw blood for blood donations adding to the crisis.

Peters went on to say that normally during a blood crisis, the Red Cross will put out an alert for it, people will gather to donate blood and the problem is usually fixed quickly, but due to these underlying factors, this crisis is much greater.

Peters says she hopes that now that the holidays are over and the message is out, more people will decide to donate blood.

She tells us that this is a problem that won't be fixed in just a few days. Peters anticipates that the Red Cross will need blood donors for the next several months to get back on track.

Peters urges everyone who is able to donate blood to do so. Appointment's can be scheduled here.

Alternatively, those interested can call 1-800-REDCROSS or download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app to make an appointment.