ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Virginia Blood Services is asking all eligible blood donors to help offset a weather-related shortfall in donations.
The organization said it will allow the state-wide area blood services provider to replenish blood needed for area patients that could not be donated due to last week's storm.
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Winter storms and freezing temperatures resulted in blood drive cancellations and hundreds in uncollected blood and platelet donations. Platelet donors, as well as blood donors with the most in-demand blood types - O positive and negative, A negative and B negative - are needed to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to offset the shortfall.
Visit vablood.org for a list of all donor center hours or to find a mobile drive near you.
In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent).
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Virginia Blood Services, visit vablood.org or call 800.989.4438.