NORWICH – Due to an increase in severe winter weather, the American Red Cross of the New York-Penn Region recently announced an urgent need for the public to donate blood to increase the regional blood supply.

According to the Red Cross, there is less than a three-day supply of Type O Negative blood, the universal blood type, and Type A Negative. “O-Negative blood is most often used in emergencies when time does not allow patient blood typing,” a Red Cross Press Release said.

In addition, the New York-Penn region’s supply of A Positive, AB Negative and O Positive are all in the low range. The Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to schedule an appointment to donate.