By Janet Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

MIDDLETOWN - An unusually high demand for blood in recent weeks has left the Community Blood Center, which serves 15 counties, including Butler and Warren, with a critical shortage of blood.

By mid-December the blood center was 689 units low. While the most urgent need is for Type O positive, which is 41 percent below the ideal level, there also are shortages in types O negative, A positive, B positive and B negative, said center spokeswoman Sher Patrick.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good physical health. Donations can be made every eight weeks. Qualified donors are urged to take identification, including Social Security number, and stop by a center location to help increase the blood supply.

"It's harder to get donations this time of year because donors get distracted by the holidays," Patrick said. "A lot of our blood drives are in businesses and schools, which are often closed over the holidays, and there is a lot of sickness this time of year which keeps people at home."

Additionally, usage is up, she said. Last weekend the center used 575 units of blood, compared with 500 on an average weekend. To encourage donations, the center is giving donors a long-sleeved holiday T-shirt. The shirts will be available until Jan. 3 or while supplies last.

Center locations include 3990 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown, and 105 S. D St. in Hamilton. Or call (800) 388-4483 for other locations or for more information.

"It's been a very tough year. And the need for blood never takes a holiday," Patrick said.