Flu season, winter storms cause low blood supplies in Ohio

The American Red Cross and Vitalant blood bank put out an urgent call for blood donors in northeast Ohio amid dwindling supplies, reports Cleveland.com.

Recent snowstorms, along with cold and flu season, have prevented many people from giving blood in the area. Severe winter weather can also cause more accidents, which increases the need for blood.

Vitalant needs to collect more than 800 blood donations per week to maintain its supply. Last week, the blood bank canceled a blood drive due to snow and lost out on 55 blood units.

Both organizations said there is a critical need for platelets and Type O blood, although all blood types are still needed.

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