Bowling Green, Kentucky – Reports of critical blood shortages in other parts of the country have brought the nation's blood banks together to strongly encourage immediate donation by eligible donors. The American Red Cross was joined by America's Blood Centers and the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) in asking generous people to step up. The area Red Cross schedules up to 18 blood drives a day across its 84-county region.
"Our inventories are very low," said Denise Sexauer, Bowling Green Area Chapter chief executive officer. "The blood bank is barely meeting hospital orders. If snow and ice stop donors from reaching drives the Red Cross will be in trouble and calling for help."