Blood donors wanted

Blood donors wanted
The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region urged all eligible blood donors to give blood during the holiday season to prevent an emergency during the next week.
The bad weather and flu have had a serious impact on collections, resulting in a critical shortage, officials said.
Northern Ohio blood supplies were below minimum inventory standards in five of the eight blood types Friday, the ARC said. While the minimum inventory standard for type O negative is 225 pints, only nine were available, and just 16 pints of type A negative were on hand.
The supply of platelets, a component of blood used to treat cancer patients, also was low. A normal one-day supply is 200 units. On Friday, there were 85 units available.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have a photo ID.