American Red Cross blood supplies remain critical �€with below a days supply of B and O Negative blood types and barely above a one-day supply of A Negative. A days supply equals 130 blood units, and the American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region must collect 1,095 units each weekday to meet minimum patient needs.

Blood collected in the Greater Alleghenies Region is used in more than 100 hospitals in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky.

“We really need everyones help,”said Crystal Bennett, donor resources assistant at the Red Cross on Pineview Drive.”One hospital recently had to cancel a scheduled open-heart surgery because they didnt have the blood on hand.”

If the shortage continues, other hospitals may also have to cancel surgeries in the near future, she said.

“In the weeks before Christmas, donations decreased by more than 900 units of blood because of bad weather,”Bennett said.

Its crucial that we get the blood supplies up to their minimum five-day levels, she said. Lives are at stake when levels are low.

“For the past two weeks, its been a daily struggle to meet the needs of any and all hospital patients,”said Tim Miller, senior director of donor services.

In fact, hospital blood orders have had to be cut by 30 percent for types A and B Negative, and O Negative blood is being sent out on a definite-need basis only.

This is disturbing, said Miller, as wintry weather continues to plague the region, causing uncertain driving conditions and an increased potential for accidents.

“O Negative is the universal donor, so in a trauma situation, such as a car accident, it may be used if there is no time to determine a patients blood type,”Miller said. Adding to the seriousness of the shortage, those with O Negative blood can only receive their own type in a transfusion.

Giving blood saves lives. Please, take an hour out of your day to help. Give life. Give blood. If you dont, who will?

January American Red Cross blood drives at WVU :

• 
  Wednesday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m, HSC , John Jones Conference Room (call 598-0732, ext. 108 for an appointment)

• 
  Thursday, Jan. 23, noon-6 p.m., Boreman Hall, Rec Room

• 
  Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1-7 p.m., Mountainlair Blue Ballroom, sponsored by Circle K

• 
  Wednesday, Jan. 29, noon-6 p.m., Stalnaker Hall, Maiden Lane

• 
  Friday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Jerry West Lounge, Coliseum, sponsored by Athletic Trainers Association

For more information, donors may call the American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region, at 1-800-542-5663.