Fall is time to turn over a new leaf and roll up a sleeve.

Both Community Blood Bank and the American Red Cross are calling for blood donors.

While the number of donors at CBB drives remains down, usage at regional hospitals has gone up, especially for types O-positive and O-negative blood, according to Community Relations Coordinator Erika DePalma. “Patients in local hospitals have access to less than a one-day supply of blood for almost all blood types.”

“The need for blood doesn’t stop. Each day babies are born, cancer patients require treatments, surgeries and traumas occur,” Community Blood Bank’s Executive Director Dee Rosenthal said. “All types are needed, however, there has been a near constant critical need for type O.”

“On the first day of fall, the American Red Cross is asking the public to start the season off with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation,” ARC Regional Communications Manager Nicole Roschella said. “While the leaves turn, the need for blood never changes. Those who give this fall play an important role in keeping the blood supply high enough to help patients counting on blood products for care – especially ahead of the busy holiday season.”

“Book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767),” Roschella said.

“The Erie Donor Center is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as the first and third Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., DePalma said. “You can find a mobile blood drive near you at fourhearts.org.”