Red Cross makes urgent call for blood

CLEVELAND -- The American Red Cross, already facing a low supply of blood of several types, and fearing a greater shortfall over Thanksgiving Day, is asking people to make an effort to donate blood.
As of Tuesday morning, the Northern Ohio Region was below minimum (three day) inventory standards on six of eight blood types.
They are: O positive, standard supply, 840 units; current supply, 31 units; A positive, 750 units, 1 unit; B positive, 225 units, 82 units; O negative, 225 units, 31 units; A negative, 180 units, 80 units; and B negative, 45 units, 38 units.
The Tuesday morning levels were before any blood was sent to Youngstown-Warren area hospitals.
Officials said northeast Ohio can receive help from other areas of the country, but can't always count on others.
People can call (800) 448-3543 to find out the time and place of blood drawings in their areas.