CORVALLIS - With the nation's blood supply reaching critically low levels, the American Red Cross is appealing for donors for Oregon State University's Winter Blood Drive, Feb. 10-12.

The three-day drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in OSU's Memorial Union Ballroom. For information or to make a donation appointment, contact Susie Abell at 541-737-2631.

Several factors, including severe weather in the southern and eastern United States and outbreaks of influenza on the West Coast, have compounded low blood supply levels caused by a drop in donations during the holidays.

The Red Cross has the capability to move blood to where it is needed through its National Inventory Management System based in St. Louis. The Red Cross particularly encourages people with type O blood to donate, because type O blood can be given to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.

Donors unable to attend the campus sessions, can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to locate the nearest Red Cross blood center or blood drive. Giving blood takes less than one hour. Donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh 110 pounds or more.

Source: 

Douglas Tracy, 503-284-0011 Ext. 402

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