Blood Shortage Remains Critical in the Washington Area

The Red Cross says the supply in the Greater Chesapeake Region from Pennsylvania to Virginia has only a half-day's supply of Type O.

A similar appeal made last week brought in enough blood to hold off a crisis but now more is needed.

This summer hospitals across the region have been forced to cancel critical surgeries, such as organ transplants, due to the blood shortage. Blood shortages in the summer are typical in the Washington region.

To donate blood, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be in good health;
• Be at least 17;
• Weigh at least 110;
• Have not received a tattoo in the last year;
• Have not donated blood in the past 56 days.

The Red Cross has a list of additional restrictions, on its Web site.

To donate blood through the Red Cross, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. To find a Red Cross blood donation location, click here.

To donate blood through Inova Blood Donor Services, call 1-866-BloodSaves. Inova also has locations for blood donations on its Web site.

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