Area Blood Supply Dropping, Red Cross Says

Supplies for most blood types, but especially types O and B, are at critical levels and the holiday weekend put a strain on the supply because there were fewer donors, the Red Cross said.

"We really need blood donors to step forward now to help us through these difficult summer months," said Robert Fechner, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region.

The service, which supplies blood to 103 hospitals, needs 1,600 blood and platelet donors each day to meet the needs of area patients.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. A photo ID is also required.

To make an appointment or locate the nearest American Red Cross blood drive, call

800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543)

or visit

www.redcrossblood.org

. To make an appointment to donate at Rex Blood Services in Raleigh,

fill out their Web form

or call

(919) 784-4750

.