(ASHEVILLE) -- The holiday season usually means fewer people are donating blood. Supplies have been hit harder by a major auto accident in Transylvania County late Wednesday. The accident sent 15 people to the hospital and depleted blood supplies in the region.

Barry Porter with the American Red Cross said they want donors of all types, but one in particular is needed. "Blood transfusions are often needed in accidents.  That type of blood that is needed type O negative.  It's a very uncommon blood type.  Only about six out of 100 people have that blood type, but it is very crucial.  It's often called the universal donor," said Porter.

The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region must have 1,600 people give blood and blood platelets each day to meet the needs of patients.