To help ensure a sufficient blood supply this winter season, Ozarka College is hosting an American Red Cross We Challenge U Blood Drive on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Lobby of the John E. Miller Education Complex on the Melbourne campus, located at 218 College Dr. All presenting donors will receive a commemorative We Challenge U T-shirt, while supplies last.

"We thank Ozarka College for accepting the challenge from the Red Cross," said Marci Manley, spokesperson for the Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Blood Services Region. "Donating blood is an easy way to volunteer, and it helps patients in need."

To make an appointment to donate or for more information, Ozarka College students, faculty, staff and alumni may call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter "Ozarka" in the sponsor code field on the donation appointment page.

College and high school blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of donations given through the Red Cross. The We Challenge U program encourages college students to get involved in the community by organizing blood drives and recruiting friends and faculty to give blood during winter months.

Recent winter weather forced the Red Cross to cancel more than 300 blood drives in 25 states, resulting in the loss of thousands of donations. Donors with all blood types are encouraged to donate, but there is an urgent need for donors with types O negative, O positive, A negative and B negative.

Prior to donating blood, donors will register, complete a brief health-history screening and have their blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature and iron level checked. The entire donation process takes about an hour, but the actual blood donation takes about 10 minutes. Refreshments are provided at the end of the donation process.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.