Julia Miller graduated from Troy University, majoring in communications. During her time at Troy, she joined her school's local news station, TROY TrojanVision News, where she discovered her passion for journalism.

Right now, the need for blood donations is critical -- not just across the country in places like California, but also right here in North Alabama.

Lifesouth Community Blood told WAAY 31 News Wednesday that the need for blood donations this time of year has been a decades-long challenge. Former President Richard Nixon proclaimed January as National Blood Donor Month because it's historically the time of year when donations are at their lowest.

Becky Cecil, district community development coordinator for Lifesouth, explained, "National Blood Donor Month is a huge month for us because coming off of the holidays, coming into the new year, we see an uptick in hospital usage, but we see fewer donors coming through the door."

In North Alabama alone, Lifesouth requires 200 units of blood daily. Following the recent snowstorm, the shortage has worsened.

"We ended up having to cancel, between our mobiles and our centers, 29 cancellations, which totaled about 366 units that we then did not get to collect. Those storms really put us behind in a month that's already been a tough month for us," said Cecil.

Now, they are asking for your help. The donation process takes only 30 to 45 minutes and can save up to three lives.

Many people we spoke to while giving blood Wednesday encouraged others to do the same.

Cassie Gregory said, "We give blood in the OR, in surgery, on the floor, for patients, for cancer patients. It is so important when the community brings something like this to us, to Huntsville Hospital, and for us to not be a part of it, for our department to be able to encourage us and support us to be able to come and do this; it makes a huge difference."

Ezra Jones added, "It may not be monetarily rewarding, but morally it's very rewarding."

Shaela Jones shared, "It's just a small act of service. It really just takes only about an hour of your day, so I feel like it's really important -- especially being in the surgery side of things. When you see trauma, and especially labor and delivery when people need blood, it's important to have that on hand."

Remember, blood shortages can mean life or death for patients. They may even result in longer waits for procedures that are desperately needed. That's why Lifesouth urges you to roll up your sleeve and donate if you can.

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