Area Blood Supplies 'Extremely Low,' Local Red Cross Says

Local chapters of the American Red Cross recently announced that area blood supplies are "extremely low" and have issued an emergency appeal for blood and platelet donations, according to St. Mary Medical Center.

To help, the local hospital will be holding a blood drive next week.

"Healthy donors are encouraged to give blood to help meet this life-saving need for people affected by accidents, surgery and some cancers, such as leukemia," the hospital said in an announcement.

The blood drive will be held on Tuesday, January 31, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the flagpole circular drive near the front of the Sidney T. Yates Outpatient Building.

Blood supplies are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than they can be collected at local blood banks, said a spokesperson for American Red Cross. "Blood collections in Bucks County typically decline this time of year due to weather, the flu and other seasonal illnesses. Donors themselves must be in good health to donate," the hospital's announcement said

Appointments to donate blood are not required. If you want to make an appointment, however, you can contact Kari Riti at 215-710-2635 orKRiti@stmaryhealthcare.org.

Never given blood? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers from the Red Cross.