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Red Cross needs blood A drastically low supply of blood has prompted the northwest offices of the American Red Cross to issue a red alert, which means the organization will fill only half of hospital blood orders until the situation is stabilized. This is just the second time in more than a decade that a red alert has been called. Since June 12, regional blood collections have not kept pace with patient needs, said Francesca Clifford, Red Cross public affairs specialist. Part of the problem is that summertime is vacation time and donations typically drop. But this year, it�s more severe. "We�ve seen an increase in transfusions," she said. "And, people travel more, there�s more trauma and more of a need for blood." In Medford, donation centers will be open extended hours to alleviate the problem. The Medford center at 48 Hawthorne Ave., will be open from noon to 6:45 p.m. Mondays and from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Tuesdays. "If this community should now experience a major disaster such as a large automobile accident or airplane injury accident, we would be ill-equipped to meet hospitals� needs," said Trudy Sullivan, regional Red Cross chief operating officer. "We need to have a three-day supply of blood on the shelves. As of right now, we have less than a half day�s supply available." To donate blood, you must be 17 or older, be in good health and weigh at least 105 pounds. To make an appointment in Medford, call 773-3813. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA