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Red Cross needs more blood A jump in demand for blood transfusions has reduced the inventories of all types of blood supplied to regional hospitals by the American Red Cross, prompting the organization to issue a yellow alert. The Red Cross must collect more than 900 units of blood a day to provide for the needs of 85 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest. A yellow alert means that the Red Cross can meet only 70 percent of the orders for blood and blood products used by area hospitals, including hospitals in the Rogue Valley. The peak in demand is bad news as the Labor Day weekend approaches, which is when many people take to the road and motor vehicle accidents increase. The Red Cross issued the alert Monday because collections aren't meeting patient needs, said Paul Huard, spokesman for the American Red Cross Blood Donor Center in Medford. "There are already more traffic accidents and trauma injuries at this time of year," Huard said. "I've heard of one case where a patient injured in an auto accident has used more than 120 units of blood product during their treatment in a Portland hospital." The shortage could affect the amount of blood available for recuperating patients or accident victims. It could also delay elective surgeries. The Red Cross urges people to roll up their sleeves and donate at community blood drives. To give blood, donors must be at least age 17, weigh a minimum of 105 pounds and be in general good health. Donors should eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood. You can call (541) 773-3813 and schedule an appointment. Upcoming blood drives are: Every Monday and Tuesday at the Red Cross Blood Center, 48 Hawthorne, Medford. 1-6 p.m. today, Masonic Lodge in Grants Pass, 322 N.W. E Street. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Redwood Christian Center, 4995 Redwood Ave., Grants Pass. Noon-5 p.m. Friday, Veterans Affairs Domiciliary theater (Building 200), White City. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA