
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 17, 1995                   TAG: 9501170135
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MATT CHITTUM
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BLOOD SUPPLY LOW; DONORS ARE NEEDED

The American Red Cross' Appalachian Regional Blood Services said Monday its blood inventory has dropped to less than 2 days' supply.

Donor turnouts of only 75 percent of normal in December and January and the recent ice storm are behind the shortages being experienced in at least 10 cities, according to a Red Cross news release.

Spokesman Bob Lutjen said the Roanoke office managed to struggle through the holidays, but ``we cannot continue at that rate and effectively meet hospital patient blood needs.''

Appalachian Regional Blood Services is the blood supplier to 44 hospitals and four dialysis centers in 43 counties of Virginia and West Virginia.

People interested in donating blood should call America's Bloodline, (800)GIVE-LIFE (448-3543), to find a convenient time and location. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health.

by CNB