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Heavy response recharges blood banks A red alert for blood supplies in the Northwest has been canceled thanks to an overwhelming response from donors, American Red Cross officials said. The week after the red alert was issued -- on Jan. 6 -- blood donations topped average weekly collections by 1,380 units, said Francesca Clifford, a spokeswoman for the Red Cross's Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services. The northwest division collected 6,080 units of blood that week from donors in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. The average number of units collected hovers somewhere between 4,500 and 4,700, Clifford said. "This just shows that donors heard our plea for help and they understood our need," she added. The Northwest division called the red alert after blood supplies for type O-positive, the most common blood type, dropped 80 percent below standard levels. Red Cross officials said supply levels had not dropped that low since 1988. Clifford said the flu has impaired blood collection efforts nationwide. She said 25 of 37 blood collection regions are maintaining a supply that will meet just one day's demand. The Northwest region has stabilized its supply, but Clifford said donors are encouraged to keep their appointments to prevent future shortages. In Jackson County, donations may be made between 12:45 and 5:30 p.m. Monday and between 7:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Red Cross's blood donor center in Medford. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 105 pounds, and be in good health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 773-3813. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA