Blood Supply Falls to Critically Low Level

Hospitals are using blood faster than people are donating it, the American Red Cross announced Monday.

And due to a critically low supply in Northern California of four common blood types, the Red Cross—which manages blood donations—is asking eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible to help with this crisis. 

“Overall, blood donations are down in the first five months of 2012, compared to the same period last year," said Jeff Meyer, CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services. "As a result, there is almost half the amount of readily available blood in the Red Cross inventory at this point in time.”

Blood types blood types O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative are most in need at this time, according to the Red Cross. O negative blood is the universal blood that anyone can use, said Jared Schultzman, a communications associate with the Red Cross.

"The overall message that we’re trying to convey is that people need to keep coming in to donate," said Schultzman. "Whether not we get to the same place we were at last year, we still need blood."

To find a convenient donation location, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Here are some nearby locations open over the next few days.

June 27

11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

San Jose Blood Donation Center

2731 North First St., San Jose, 95134

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

San Jose City Hall

200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 95113

June 28

11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

San Jose Blood Donation Center

2731 North First St., San Jose, 95134

June 29

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Calvary Church

16330 Los Gatos Blvd

Los Gatos, CA 95032

7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

San Jose Blood Donation Center

2731 North First St., San Jose, 95134

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