Technician-in-training Tatyana Villa prepares blood samples for testing at a nearby hospital in this 2019 file photo.

As a part of National Blood Donor Month, the Central California Blood Center is making an effort to stress the need for more donors.

According to the Center, the winter season tends to see a shortage in blood donors, but this year has been particularly difficult.

“We are facing a critical blood shortage here at the Central California Blood Center and the around the nation,” said Christopher Staub, president and CEO in a recent video on social media. “Blood for patient transfusion cannot be created or manufactured.

Staub continued by stating that the shortage stresses medical facilities and hospitals. Even surgical cases that do not use blood cannot begin unless there is blood on hand in the event of an emergency.

Interested donors can reach out at (559) 389-LIFE or donateblood.org.