By Brian Gannon, president

The Blood Center, New Orleans

DEAR EDITOR: Traditionally during the holidays, the community blood supply tends to decrease due to fewer blood donations being made for local patients. This year, that trend has begun even earlier than in years past with the current blood supply at 46 percent of minimum supply levels.

It appears our community believes that there must be an ample blood supply available since so many people gave blood after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Donated blood has a shelf-life of 42 days, and the blood donated during September has been transfused to patients.

With the community blood supply already low, it is critical that we educate the community that we need more blood donations now to continue to meet local patient needs. Individuals 17 years and older, weighing 110 pounds or more and in good health are eligible to give. Please donate blood as soon as possible and help save a life.