Delta Blood Bank is low on a couple of specific types of blood, and the call has gone out to all prospective donors to attend next week's local blood drive to help fill the need.
The next community blood drive is set for Tuesday, April 13 from 2 pm. to 7 p.m.
Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., will be the host site and Delta Blood Bank Director of Donor Operations Cheryl Kirwan said there is definitely a need.
"We're having a shortage of B negative and AB negative blood so we're really outreaching now to get folks to come in and donate," Kirwan said.
Delta officials said making sure there is an adequate supply of blood at hospitals served by the blood bank is crucial, especially entering the busy spring and summer season, when the demand often increases.
"It just seems right now we're having a huge shortage," Kirwan said.
Both types of blood are in demand, so donors with B negative and AB negative blood are especially encouraged to attend the April 13 drive.
Blood donors with type 'O' blood are also sought, since 'O' is the universal donor.
"If people don't know what type of blood they have, we can certainly type them," Kirwan added.
The blood donation process takes about an hour and includes registration, a brief medical screening, the actual donation and time in the refreshment area after donating.
Delta Blood Bank offers several blood drives each year in the community and the April 13 drive is co-sponsored by the Escalon Kiwanis Club. Contact Joann Veenstra at 838-2894 for more information.
Donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. Sixteen-year-olds may donate but must have a signed parental permission slip and weigh a minimum of 115 pounds. Permission slips are available at Delta Blood Bank Center or on the Delta website.
All donors must present a valid ID with date of birth at the time of donation. Donations will be accepted as replacement for blood used by a friend or relative, for one of Delta's Blood Plan programs or for general community use.
The next community blood drive is set for Tuesday, April 13 from 2 pm. to 7 p.m.
Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., will be the host site and Delta Blood Bank Director of Donor Operations Cheryl Kirwan said there is definitely a need.
"We're having a shortage of B negative and AB negative blood so we're really outreaching now to get folks to come in and donate," Kirwan said.
Delta officials said making sure there is an adequate supply of blood at hospitals served by the blood bank is crucial, especially entering the busy spring and summer season, when the demand often increases.
"It just seems right now we're having a huge shortage," Kirwan said.
Both types of blood are in demand, so donors with B negative and AB negative blood are especially encouraged to attend the April 13 drive.
Blood donors with type 'O' blood are also sought, since 'O' is the universal donor.
"If people don't know what type of blood they have, we can certainly type them," Kirwan added.
The blood donation process takes about an hour and includes registration, a brief medical screening, the actual donation and time in the refreshment area after donating.
Delta Blood Bank offers several blood drives each year in the community and the April 13 drive is co-sponsored by the Escalon Kiwanis Club. Contact Joann Veenstra at 838-2894 for more information.
Donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. Sixteen-year-olds may donate but must have a signed parental permission slip and weigh a minimum of 115 pounds. Permission slips are available at Delta Blood Bank Center or on the Delta website.
All donors must present a valid ID with date of birth at the time of donation. Donations will be accepted as replacement for blood used by a friend or relative, for one of Delta's Blood Plan programs or for general community use.
