'So important': Red Cross hosts blood drive amid heightening cold and flu season

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- At Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, the American Red Cross hosted a community blood drive on Friday, Feb. 13. 

The event was put on in recognition of February being American Hearth Month. 

But that wasn't the only reason for the event. The majority of the country -- including Wisconsin -- continues to face a sever blood shortage. 

The Red Cross says several things are to blame for that shortage. 

"It's been all sorts of things, you know it's the worst cold and flu season they're saying in 20 years. Lots of winter weather cancellations not just here but across the country. So we're really encouraging people to come out and give blood and that's why a blood drive like today is just so important and so needed," said Lizzie Payant with the American Red Cross. 

If you missed the vent, there's always an opportunity to give blood. 

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