"Major shortages" of Type O and Type B blood in Ithaca area

Photo courtesy of and copyright American Red Cross.

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Ithaca, 29 October 08 -- According to the Tompkins County chapter of the American Red Cross, the region faces major shortages of Type O and Type B blood supplies. The NY-Penn Blood Service says the blood types most needed are O negative, O positive, B positive, and B negative; there's only a one-day supply of O negative.

The region is now on a "medical alert," meaning that blood types in limited supply will require patients to be in critical condition before they can receive transfusions. NY-Penn Blood Service has asked the Tompkins County Chapter of the American Red Cross to collect an additional 400 units of blood by January.

The American Red Cross is urging those eligible to give blood to do so as soon as possible. The next blood drive in the area is this Friday, from 9am-3pm, at Trumansburg High School. There's another blood drive at Groton High School on Thursday afternoon, November 6th, and there are four blood drives in Ithaca the week of November 10th.

• Tompkins County blood drive listings

Anyone who's generally in good health, is at least 17 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds is probably eligible to give blood. Donors can give blood every 56 days.