NEW ORLEANS- The Blood center is still critically low on blood donation with less than 150 pints of blood on the shelves, and are in need of all blood types. That is approximately a one half day supply.

Hospitals around the metropolitan area, including the River Parishes, have been notified that without immediate donor response, elective surgical procedure may be postphoned until supply is restored to sufficient levels.

Weather conditions across the nation have made it difficult to rely on other areas to supply our communities with the needed amount of units.

The Blood Center is a non-profit organization that supplies blood to over thirty hospitals throughout South Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To accommodate donors, the Blood Center has increased collection days and hours of operation. Donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh 110 pounds.

Hours of operation at the LaPlace center are Monday, Thursday 2-8 and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The address is 123 Belle Terre Blvd, LaPlace, Louisiana, 70068.

The telephone number is (985) 652-9256.