Features

Bay Area hospitals have issued an urgent call for blood donors after regional supplies fell so low that a San Francisco hospital was forced to delay open heart surgery Tuesday. 

Though an emergency drive brought levels up to a half-day’s reserve, area hospitals are still faced with a critical shortage, according to Oakland Red Cross representative Sara O’Brien, who said a two-day reserve is considered a minimum in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. 

Especially needed are donations of types O positive, O negative, B positive, and A negative.  

Donors may contact Blood Centers of the Pacific (888-393-GIVE, www.bloodcenters.org) or the American Red Cross (800-GIVE-LIFE, www.beadonor.com).