Patients’ need for blood doesn’t take a holiday break.

The American Red Cross, blood services providers and health care facilities are asking donors to continue giving blood this holiday season. People undergoing treatment for cancer, new patients whose lives could depend on transfusions and trauma patients in emergency rooms all depend on steady donations for their needs, said Red Cross communications manager Nicole Roschella.

“We’re trying to really get the word out,” Roschella said. “The need is still there for your blood donation … Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood.”