Weather causes shortage of blood

In recent days, communities across the region awoke to a winter wonderland, canceling blood collections along the east coast, according to American Red Cross Blood Services officials.
Locally, the potential to collect more than 135 units of blood was lost since last Thursday. Sister Red Cross regions in the Mid-Atlantic area lost more than 1,200 units.
"In order to avoid a critical blood shortage, people in communities not affected by the storms are encouraged to schedule an appointment or visit a blood drive in their local area," said Taunia Oechslin, senior director, recruitment.
"Local hospitals and communities could be adversely affected if blood supplies decline over the holidays, we are greatly concerned that winter storms could hinder turnout at local blood drives when we need to build reserves for the holiday."
According to Oechslin, supplies of type O negative blood, considered universal because it may be transfused to all blood types in an emergency, were already critical before the storm hit.
"All donors, and especially those with O negative blood, are encouraged to help during this time."
Potential donors should weigh a minimum of 105 pounds, be at least 17 years old and in good health. To schedule an appointment, donors can call (800) GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543.).