Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) noted today there is a severe shortage of blood in area blood banks, forcing the American Red Cross to ration its supplies in Central New York.
Reilich noted there is less than a two-day supply of some types of blood, and the amount of O negative and O positive blood types is at a dangerously low level.
"The Red Cross needs our help in stockpiling blood," Reilich said. "We are at a very critical time and supplies are very low, so I encourage all New Yorkers to donate blood."
Giving blood will ensure the safest possible blood is readily available whenever and wherever needed – for example, the military, other blood centers in the United States and the 5,000 hospitals nationwide, Reilich added.
According to the Red Cross Web site, people can safely donate blood every 56 days. For more information on donating blood, visit their Web site or call toll-free (800) GIVE-LIFE (448-3543).