Blood Emergency Alert Issued

FARMINGTON — The American Red Cross issued an emergency alert this week, saying it is suffering a severe blood shortage, one of the worst in its history.

The nation’s blood supply is critically low and all eligible donors are strongly encouraged to call 800/GIVE-LIFE (800/448-3543) to schedule an appointment to give blood, a Red Cross spokesman said.

The emergency appeal for blood donors in Connecticut is now in its second week. With the national system in crisis, Connecticut is unable to import blood from other blood services regions, the Red Cross said.

Giving blood is easy, safe, and takes less than one hour. To donate blood, an individual must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh 110 pounds or more.

Upcoming blood drives include Monday, September 25, St Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, 7:30 am to 3:15 pm, and Teikyo Post University, 800 Country Club Road, Waterbury, noon to 4:45 pm; Tuesday, September 26, the Town of Brookfield, 100 Pocono Road, 9 am to 2 pm. The Web site at www.bloodct.org includes many other blood drive sites; or call the toll-free number for more information.