The Community Blood Bank is currently in a critical blood shortage. It is important all eligible donors plan to give blood at the following blood drive because the CBB is the exclusive blood provider to UPMC Chautauqua. The CBB has a less-than-one-day supply of blood types O+ and O-, and also is experiencing critically low levels of blood types A+, A- and B-.

A blood drive will be held Wednesday, 12-4 p.m. at Lutheran Social Service, 715 Falconer St., Jamestown.

“Blood usage at our partner hospitals has been high throughout the summer months,” said Jaclyn Seymour, community relations specialist for the CBB. “We have also seen a decrease in blood donors this summer. These two situations together has created a critical blood shortage for our inventory. We really need donors to come out and give blood in order to fill the need. There is no other option.”

Individuals are eligible to give blood if it has been 56 days since their last donation; they are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent); weigh at least 110 pounds; have not received a tattoo or body piercing in the past 12 months; are in good general health and do not have a cold or the flu. You must have a valid photo ID in order to donate.

Prior to donating, those giving blood should eat a good, solid meal and drink at least 18 oz. of water. For more information, please visit ourhearts.org or call (877) 842-0631.