The country is facing a critical blood shortage.

That’s according to the American Red Cross. The organization said the national blood supply has dropped by 35% in the last month.

“Demand for blood and blood products is outpacing the supply; folks coming in to donate blood,” said Caroline King, executive director of the Northern and Eastern Maine Chapter of the Red Cross Northern New England. “So, that makes us all incredibly nervous.”

“The current shortage is the worst that we’ve seen in about 18 months,” she added.

King said winter weather and the ongoing flu outbreak have led to blood drive cancellations and fewer donors making appointments, and she anticipates more cancellations in light of the coming storm.

“If blood supply gets lower, doctors and hospitals will have to make incredibly impossible, difficult decisions about postponing care, postponing treatments,” said King. “That is not a place we want to be.”

King said the shortage could worsen without immediate action.

“Blood on the shelf is what saves lives,” said King. “You must have that blood on the shelf, ready to go, when patients need it.”

Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.