LAPLACE-The Blood Center is experiencing a critically low shortage of type O negative and B negative blood in the River Region.

Additionally, other blood banks have not been able to help with the shortage because they also have a critically low blood supply available and cannot provide additional supplies of red blood cells.

The Blood Center is asking that all eligible donors contact the center at 1-800-86BLOOD and find out where the nearest blood centers are and their hours of operation in order to donate.

The blood banks throughout the region have had trouble completing orders. The reduced inventory levels have put the public in danger of long waits and postponement of surgeries that are non-life threatening in order to conserve blood supplies.

All facilities are encouraged to conserve the use of blood products at their facility by recruiting patients’ family and friends for blood replacement until blood collections improve.

Please help the blood center by donating today, with your donations delays in patient care can be avoided.

The Blood Center for Southeast Louisiana has a location in LaPlace at 123 Belle Terre Blvd. The hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 2-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. No appointments are necessary.