Blood supplies at dangerous levels

The American Red Cross Blood Services, New York- Penn Region is urgently calling for all eligible donors to give blood to observe National Volunteer Blood Donor Month and to help avoid an impending blood shortage. The Red Cross continues to face a critical shortage of type O Negative blood. As a result, the Red Cross was today forced to place type O Negative on medical approval. Medical approval requires a Red Cross physician to approve any requested blood product before releasing to hospitals. Additionally, type A Negative is at a two-day supply. All blood types, however, are needed to strengthen the blood supply.

"If hospital orders for blood increase and the recent decrease in collections continues, the regional inventory can be quickly depleted by these large orders," said Kay Schwartz, CEO of the New York-Penn Region. "Donors can help us maintain a sufficient blood supply by making and keeping their appointments to donate blood."

January is traditionally a difficult month for blood centers to collect adequate blood donations partially due to holidays, busy travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.