Emergency call for blood donations

Monday, June 25, 2012

Blood donation (AP Photo)

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local/state

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Right now there is a tremendous need for blood. The American Red Cross' supply has reached emergency levels, with 50,000 fewer donations than expected this month.

The shortfall has left the Red Cross with half the readily available blood products on hand than this time last year.

The organization is asking all eligible blood donors -- especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative -- to roll up their sleeves in order to meet patient demand this summer.

An unseasonably early start to spring may be a contributing factor to this year's decrease in donations. In addition, this year's mid-week Independence Day holiday has reduced the number of scheduled Red Cross blood drives.

Upcoming blood drives will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highwoods Properties Raleigh, Wednesday from noon until 4 p.m. at the Hilton North Raleigh Midtown and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Syngenta.

A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 18 years of age and younger have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

To help, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.