Critical blood shortage

The American Red Cross Blood Services reports that a critical blood shortage locally and nationwide.

All blood types are needed, and locally, there is less than a two-day supply of types O Positive, O Negative and A Negative. The New York-Penn Region is greatly concerned about this shortage as there is no area to pull in supplies from because of a nationwide blood shortage.

'This summer has been horrible for the blood supply,' stated Kay Schwartz, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region. 'We've been struggling to keep our inventories afloat, but were barely treading water. We need blood donors to respond to our call immediately just to keep pace with hospital blood needs. Collections are running 2000 units under our requirements.'

All current eligible and new donors are urged to call 1.800.GIVE LIFE or visit

www.DonateBloodNow.org

to schedule an appointment.

The September drives are: Sept. 1, 1-6 p.m. at Williamson United Methodist Church

• Sept. 6, 2 to 7, Lyons Fire Dept.
• Sept. 25, 2 to 7, Clyde Fire Dept.
• Sept. 25, 2 to 7, Walworth Baptist Community Center
• Sept. 28, 1:30 to 6:30, Cornell Coop. Extension in Newark, Route 88 North
• Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wayne County Health, 1519 Nye Road, Lyons.

Blood donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring along an original signed New York State Informed Parental Consent for a 16-Year-Old to Donate Whole Blood.

The consent form can be found at

www.DonateBloodNow.org/16

Identification is required to donate blood.

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