The Red Cross is currently experiencing reduced supplies of type O negative blood and are asking Scotland County residents to donate.

The Red Cross officials say the summer months are the most crucial for keeping the blood supply up above the level of demand. Having an adequate supply of type O negative blood is critical to helping save lives, as it is the only 'universal' blood type.

Dennis Ward of Laurinburg donated blood on Wednesday. He was one of more than 30 people who gave blood Wednesday at the Scotland Memorial Hospital.

"I have have done this plenty of times," Ward said as he had his blood drawn while sitting in the American Red Cross Blood Service Bus.

Red Cross officials say they are continuously asking for blood because it can only be stored for a short period. Red blood cells can only be used for 42 days following a blood donation, and platelets, another part of blood, can only be stored for five days.

The Red Cross must collect blood every day to ensure that enough blood is available for patients who are ill or undergoing surgery.

The medical guidelines for donating blood are:

• One must be at least age 17, weight at least 110 pounds and have a medical history free of certain diseases such as hepatitis, cancer and heart disease.

• Donors are also screened and deferred from giving if they engage in high-risk behaviors associated with the AIDS virus. A nurse at the collection site can evaluate other conditions.

• There is no upper age limit and most individuals can donate blood every 56 days.

• Donors must have a Photo ID when at a blood drive.

St. Mary's Catholic Church located at 800 S. Main St. will be the next host of a blood drive in Scotland County. The drive will take place on July 23 at 2 until 6:30 p.m. The drive will be open to the public.

Also, Scotland Memorial Hospital will be the host of another blood drive on September 8.

For information, call the Scotland County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 276-0600.