The Community Blood Bank is reporting most blood types are at a less than a one-day supply available to the patients in need in the local hospitals.

Blood bank officials said 35% of the organizations that hold blood drives are not operating onsite or have limited operations, resulting in the expected loss of nearly 1,000 units of blood for May and June.

“There is always a way to do something positive in challenging times,” said Deanna Renaud, Community Blood Bank executive director. “Blood donors are needed desperately now, and for months to come. Many blood centers are facing the same need for donors so there is no other option but for our community to donate the blood needed here at home.”

The blood supply has been below adequate levels in recent weeks, as elective surgeries have been rescheduled after delays due to COVID-19. However, with schools and many businesses still operating remotely, blood drives continue to be canceled and donor turnout has been low.

The blood bank is asking residents to donate blood as soon as possible, so that patients who will need blood for surgeries, traumas and chronic illness treatments will get the units they need.

“We keep saying it’s the blood on the shelf that saves lives,” said Renaud. “Right now, there is not much blood on the shelf.”

Emergency blood drives will be held at the following locations:

¯ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Warren High School Community Drive, 345 E. Fifth Ave. Warren;

¯ noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Holy Redeemer Church, 11 Russell St., Warren;

¯ noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department, 222 E. Main St., Youngsville; and

¯ 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 25, Warren Manor, 682 Pleasant Dr., Warren.