Staff report

The supply of type O negative blood at the American Red Cross has dropped to critically low levels, according to Red Cross officials.

Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations, according to Pat Williams, volunteer blood services coordinator for the Scotland County Chapter of the American Red Cross

Williams said donors are needed to help prevent the fragile type O negative blood supply from reaching a crisis level.

“While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, we urge those eligible donors with O negative blood type to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer,” Williams said. “You can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a summer shortage.”

Three area blood drives are scheduled this month.

The first will be held today at Scotia Village from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Call Susan Roberts at 277-2000 to make an appointment.

On June 15, Caledonia United Methodist Church will hold a drive from 2:30 until 6:30 p.m. Call the church office 276-4741 to make an appointment

The third drive of the month will take place at East Laurinburg Church of God on June 24 from 2 until 6:30 p.m. Call 276-2184 to make an appointment.

"Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood," Williams said. "The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day; there is no substitute for blood, and volunteer donors are the only source."

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), who meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height), and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Red Cross officials ask that donors bring their Red Cross blood donor cards or other forms of positive ID when they come to donate.

For more information or to locate a nearby blood drive, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.