A blood shortage exists in America, and the Red Cross cannot save lives when the supplies are not available. In many places, less than a one-day supply, 130 units, is on hand.

“Our inventory is still below desired levels,”said Crystal Bennett, donor resources assistant at the Red Cross on Pineview Drive.”We try to keep at least a five-day supply of all blood types.”

The American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region must collect 1,095 units each weekday to meet minimum patient needs at more than 100 hospitals in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky.

“We would like to encourage everyone to continue to donate blood on a regular basis to meet the needs of hospital patients,”Bennett said.

Because of the ongoing need for blood, Bennett says that its important for everyone to become a regular donor, and that blood can be donated every 56 days.

February American Red Cross Blood Drives at WVU :

�?�  Wednesday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m, WVU Law School Main Lobby, sponsored by the Black Law Student Association

�?�  Thursday, Feb. 6, 1-7 p.m., Puskar Building, Don Nehlen Drive, sponsored by the WVU Football Team

�?�  Monday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Stansbury Hall, Beechhurst Avenue, sponsored by ROTC

�?�  Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., HSC , John Jones Conference Room (call 598-4095, ext. 108 for an appointment)

�?�  Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1-7 p.m., WVULyonTower, Gold Room

�?�  Thursday, Feb. 27, 1-7 p.m., Summit Suites Gym and Study Room, 211 Grant Ave.

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