Bermuda’s blood supply comes under pressure in December and January, according to Junior Health Minister Vince Ingham, who thanked existing donors and urged more eligible residents to come forward.“During the busy holiday season, people travel more, they have multiple social events and shopping pressures, and there are public holidays that reduce the number of available clinics,” Mr Ingham said.“All of these factors make it even tougher to keep a safe level of blood on supply.The Island’s 1,100 regulars constitute under two percent of the population, he said one third of donor numbers typical in other developed countries.Forty to 50 units of blood are needed each week in Bermuda for therapeutic uses, planned surgery and trauma.“We all take it for granted that blood will be available when we or our loved ones need it,” Mr Ingham said, “but only a small number of us are making sure it is there for the other 98 percent of the population.”The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre at King Edward VII Memorial can be reached at 236-5067.