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The Monticello National Honor Society will be hosting a blood drive in the Rehmstedt Gym on Monday, December 21, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Blood donations often decline during winter, due to holiday festivities, inclement weather and seasonal illnesses such as the flu. Patients don’t get a holiday from needing blood or platelets. The need for donors is constant.

Blood donors of all types, especially those with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative, are needed to ensure blood is available whenever and wherever needed. Type AB donors have the universal plasma type, which can be given to patients of all blood types. There is a constant, often critical, need for type AB plasma. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types A and B negative can be transfused to Rh-positive or negative patients.

Be sure to complete a RapidPass prior to your next blood donation to save time at the blood drive. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from the convenience of a computer at home or work. To get started, visit redcrossblood.org/ RapidPass and follow the instructions.

Blood donors with the most recent version of the Red Cross Blood Donor App can now view their health history information, including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and pulse rate, on their digital donor ID card within the app. The donor card can also be used as a donor’s official form of identification when donating. Download the app by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999, or searching “American Red Cross” in the app stores.

To receive your preferred time, sign up now online at redcrossblood.org or call the school at (608) 938-4194. If the NHS is able to meet their quota for the drive, the Red Cross will provide a scholarship to one or two of their senior members. Give something that means something by donating blood this holiday season.