Blood Assurance is in critical need of type O negative blood and type B negative blood. Anyone who is able to give blood is asked to donate to replenish the local blood supply.

This is the third time this summer that the blood supply has dropped to a critically low level.

“We take every appropriate measure to ensure that our hospitals have enough blood to treat their patients. Part of that approach is to evaluate the amount of blood donations com-ing in versus the daily demand,” said president and CEO Rick Youngblood.

“Without issuing a critical appeal for more donors, we won’t be able to adequately supply our hospitals this week, which is why we’re trying to get the word out before that happens,” said Youngblood.

As the only regional blood center in the area, Blood Assurance is responsible for provid-ing blood products to all hospitals and healthcare facilities in the region.

Blood Assurance locations are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 pm. on Saturdays. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. There is no maximum age restric-tion for donating blood. For a location near you or to locate a bloodmobile in your area, please call 1-800-962-0628 or visit www.bloodassurance.org