Red Cross needs blood

The American Red Cross Blood Services is calling for all eligible donors to give blood to celebrate National Volunteer Blood Donor Month and strengthen a declining regional blood supply. The Red Cross reports that it collected 2,000 units less this past December than it did last December, primarily due to the back-to-back Monday holidays.

While all blood types are needed, a critical plea is being made for blood donors with type O Negative blood, the universal blood type. The Red Cross is currently rationing type O Negative units to hospitals and type A Negative units are projected to reach critical levels early next week.

January is a difficult month for blood centers to collect adequate blood donations due to holidays, busy travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. During this annual, month-long observance, the blood banking community is encouraging healthy individuals to donate in January and regularly throughout the year.

As a token of thanks for volunteer blood donors who give blood during NVBDM, all presenting blood donors through January 31 are eligible to enter a random drawing to have their gas and electric bill paid for one month (up to $500). Two winners from the New York-Penn Region will be chosen.

All current eligible and new donors are urged to schedule and keep appointments to donate blood today by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448- 3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org. Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood.