All blood types are needed to meet patient demands, Terry Ridenour, United Blood Services executive director, said.
"Please give blood today and help put blood back on the shelf, which was depleted due to holiday usage," Ridenour urged.
"Even though collections were good during the holidays, blood usage depleted our shelves," Ridenour said. "If all who are eligible to donate would do so this week, we may be able to keep up with area demands."
Ridenour said, "Everyone, whether it is realized or not, depends on blood. Every three seconds, someone needs blood. They may be accident victims, people undergoing surgery, or patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases."
Due to the blood shortage, three blood drives are planned in Sequoyah County. The drives will be held at:
Carl Albert State College-Sallisaw from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. Monday;
Carl Albert State College-Sallisaw from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday;
Sequoyah Memorial Hospital in Sallisaw from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16.
To make an appointment to donate blood contact Tammy Moreland at 1-800-934-9415. Walk-ins are also welcome, Moreland said.
Donors must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, provide identification and be in good health to give blood.
