They want your blood

Due to blood drive cancellations and decreased donor turnout resulting from this week’s snow storm, officials of the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross are appealing to area residents to donate blood at scheduled drives for the remainder of this week.

“The storm has caused the cancellation of nearly 20 drives, representing over 1000 potential blood donations, which further tightens already low blood supplies,” stated Karen Kelley, Regional Communications and Marketing Manager.   “We are encouraging eligible donors to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit RedCrossDonor.org to find a convenient blood drive location.”

Currently, the local Red Cross is below minimum inventory standards on six of the eight blood types.   There is less than a day’s supply of O negative, A negative and AB negative blood.   In addition, just over a day’s supply is available of O positive, A positive and B negative.   The local Red Cross needs to maintain a three day supply on all blood types to adequately meet the needs of 57 local hospitals.