Hurricane Ivan sparks blood emergency

Hurricane Ivan is contributing to a blood emergency in Northeast Ohio, according to officials of the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region, which includes Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
Typically, when the region runs low on blood supplies, it asks for help from other areas of the country. However, now because of Hurricane Ivan, blood from those areas is being diverted to communities in Ivan's path.
Several American Red Cross centers have been evacuated in Mobile and Birmingham, Ala., and the hurricane has halted blood collection and distribution in several regions of the Gulf Coast.
As a result, Northeast Ohio residents must meet their own needs, said Ben Flossie, regional hospital services director, and as of today, the region had about a half-day supply or less of five blood types.
The Red Cross is encouraging all eligible individuals to donate. To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and provide a valid photo ID. For additional information or donation site locations, call (800) 448-3543 or log onto www.redcross.org/northernohio.