The American Red Cross is currently experiencing an urgent need for blood donors, especially those with blood types O and B. Beginning in mid-June and running through August, blood centers across the country often experience a sharp decline in the number of people donating blood, and the American Red Cross is no exception.

Last summer, Georgia experienced one of its worst blood sahortages ever. Currently, blood supplies are at a dangerously low levell and collection projections indicate Red Cross blood supplies will run short by several thousand units throughout the summer. Please make plans to donate blood at a local blood drive or at a Red Cross community blood center.

People of all blood types are encouraged to give, but those with blood type O are especially needed. Type O blood, called the universal blood type, is most often used to treat trauma patients. Type O blood is also the most common, with approximately 45-percent of the population sharing that blood type.

Due to cancer treatment, accidents, organ transplant, and trauma, no one knows when they may need blood to stay alive. In fact nine out of 10 Americans who live to be 72 years of age will require blood products some time during their lives. The need for blood remains relatively constant throughout the year, and the demand is growing due to medical advances and technology that rely on blood products to help patients lead healthier lives.

Nationally, patients use 40,000 units of red blood cells each day. The American red Cross Blood Services, Southern region, provides blood products to more than 200 hospitals and health care facilities in Georgia, South Carolina and North Florida. Southern region must collect approximately 1,200 units of blood each weekday to meet the needs of patients. One out of every four units of blood collected in the Southern region is used in the treatment of cancer and leukemia.

Most healthy people who are at least 17 years of age and weigh 110 pounds or more can give blood. The donation process is safe. only sterile bags, tubing and needles are used for each donation and then destroyed. Most healthy people can give blood every 56 days. For more information, call your local Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. For a list of upcoming blood drives, visit them on the web at www.redcross.org/Atlanta .

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