Blood donations down, more blood needed

A warning is being issued about our nation's summer supply of blood. A coalition of blood banks across the country says there isn't enough on hand, and is encouraging Americans to give blood soon.

Wednesday, June 26th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A warning is being issued about our nation's summer supply of blood. A coalition of blood banks across the country says there isn't enough on hand, and is encouraging Americans to give blood soon.

The appeal comes in the face of growing blood shortages, caused mostly by new restrictions on blood donations, and not enough donors to keep up with demand. The American Red Cross says it's southwest division, which includes Oklahoma, has less than a day's supply of "O" positive and less than a day's supply of all negative blood types.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute says it's one thousand units behind the normal supply of blood for this time of year.