COUNTYWIDE : Shortage Spurs Call for Blood Donors

The American Red Cross is seeking donors to help alleviate a critical regional shortage of blood that could, if unchecked, force certain medical treatments to be postponed.

Although supplies usually run low during the holidays when fewer people donate blood, this year the flu season struck early and eliminated many potential donors. If shortages continue, hospitals might have to cancel elective surgeries or certain treatments that require transfusions, said Judy Iannacone, a spokeswoman for the Orange County chapter of the Red Cross.

Type O blood is in especially short supply right now, and demand for it is particularly high because almost half the population has that type of blood.

Anyone at least 17 years old who weighs 110 pounds or more and is in good health is eligible to donate blood. Volunteers can go to the John C. Coehlo Blood Center at 600 Parkcenter Drive, Santa Ana, Mondays through Thursdays from 12:15 to 7 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Today, a bloodmobile will collect blood at 1020 S. Anaheim Blvd. in Anaheim from 2:15 to 7 p.m.