FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Blood Donor Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System needs the community's help in order to ensure that blood is available for patients in need. Earlier this week, the center went critical, as levels of available type O blood dropped below a one-day supply.

To further aggravate the situation, the winter weather is prohibiting donors from coming into the center, and the much-anticipated Leap Year Pint for Pint event at the Mash House with Rock 103 has been postponed. Importing blood is not an option, as other sources are reporting no available blood.

In response to this need, the Blood Donor Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System will be open the following extended hours:

Also on Saturday, a blood drive will be held at Chick-fil-A on Skibo Road from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.

Community response will be crucial in order to avoid an impending crisis. All blood types are needed, but type O donors are especially urged to donate to help ensure that blood is available immediately for patients currently at the medical center.

All blood donated to the Blood Donor Center remains in the community to serve the needs of patients at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Highsmith-Rainey Memorial Hospital.

The Blood Donor Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System is located at 3357 Village Drive, Suite 150, Bordeaux Shopping Center.