FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Blood Donor Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System is in critical need of type O blood.

Demand for blood has been high, and supplies have been holding out due in part to partner blood centers from across the country who have been able to share resources.

However, as holiday weekends are notorious for increased blood usage and decreased donations, there is no longer blood available to import.

The Blood Donor Center needs to collect 140 units of type O blood in order to ensure a safe Memorial Day weekend. In order to collect the units needed, while keeping average rates of deferral in mind, the Blood Donor Center needs to see a minimum of 200 volunteer blood donors before 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The Blood Donor Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System will be open the following extended hours:

Type O donors are particularly needed but all blood types are welcome.

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.

For more information, please call (910_ 609-6300.