We're always low on blood, but now because of two epidemics: Influenza and Norovirus, we're getting hammered with additional patients plus seeing lower than normal blood donation. Remember, many hospitals ER Depts. are on "diversion". That means the ambulance has to go further, and if someone has been injured in a car wreck, then they desperately need blood plus have to go further for treatment. That's a dangerous situation.

If you're healthy and have given before without incident, then please consider donation.

The crucially short EMERGENCY regions are: Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
"An emergency blood shortage in Alabama, Georgia and Florida has the American Red Cross and LifeSouth calling for donors to help.

Although many donors have already given blood since the emergency was declared on Jan. 18, LifeSouth Vice President of Operations J.B. Bowles said that help is still needed.

"Folks are coming out to donate," he said in a press release. "While we are gaining ground in supply levels, we are still at emergency levels for blood types O-negative and positive and A-negative."

All blood types are needed to combat the shortage. AB-positive and negative types are especially needed along with A and B negative types. Bowles explained in the press release that Type O blood is an important kind to donate as it is considered a "universal" type. Type O positive blood is the most common blood type, he said."

[link to www.cbs7kosa.com]
Texas is also desperately need blood.
"ODESSA- United Blood Services announced a critical need for O-negative blood, and it’s impacting patients both young and old at hospitals across the basin.

“The shelves are bare,” said Lee Hartmann, the Center Director for United Blood Services. “There are a number of calls I get from hospitals where they ask for 20 units of O-negative blood and we can only provide one unit. That means there’s someone at the other end waiting for those units.”

Missouri is in the same situation
[link to articles.kspr.com]
"At the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the donation shortage has put the center on a what's called a Code Yellow alert. Organizers say that means they have less than a two-day supply of one of the most used blood types: O-Negative.

Normally, they have a seven-day supply on hand. Organizers say, with the winter being a slower time for donations on top of the flu outbreak, they have been short for a longer period of time."