The American Red Cross in Missouri is encouraging blood donations, amid what the organization calls a “severe” shortage.
Spokesperson Ann Vastman told Missourinet that blood supplies are down 35%, due to dozens of blood drive cancellations so far this winter. She said they’ll take all blood types, but are especially in need of O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative.
Vastman said donors are generally at least 18 years old, although 16 and 17 year old donors are allowed as long as they meet height and weight requirements and have parental consent.
She said donors should plan on spending about an hour at a donor center when they donate blood.