Staff reports  |  While thousands of people have responded to an emergency call by the American Red Cross for blood and platelet donations, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.

According to a press release, Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.