Blood supply plummets amid bitter cold days

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Snowstorms, bitter cold temperatures, and an active flu season have led to a critically low supply of blood, according to several blood banks.

The New York Blood Center has had to cancel several blood drives because of cold and harsh weather. The groups reported a worse-than-expected drop in the blood supply this winter.

"Each winter storm further reduces our region's blood supply," New York Blood Center's Andrea Cefarelli said in a news release. "With blood levels at critical lows, we are urging everyone who can to take one hour to donate one unit to save one life this weekend."

The center reported having a three- to four-day supply of blood whereas a six- to seven-day supply is ideal. Types O-negative and B-negative are "at critically low levels."

If you can donate, see nybloodcenter.org to find either a donation center or a mobile unit.