The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) has issued an urgent plea for blood donors today and later this week following the winter storm.

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas anticipates losing approximately 700 units of blood from scheduled drives that could be cancelled in the coming days due to the winter storm.

“This weather situation on top of our current regional blood shortage will put our blood supply at critically low emergency levels,” said Martin Grable, president and CEO of CBCC. “We need donors who are well and healthy to come in and donate blood or platelets today if possible or later this week and this weekend. Patients in our regional hospitals depend on life-saving blood.”

All four CBCC donor centers – Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia and Hickory – will offer extended hours on Friday, Feb. 14, Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 to give donors an opportunity to give blood following the winter storm. Call CBCC at 704-972-4700 to make an appointment.

According to CBCC, all blood types are needed. Residents of the greater Charlotte community, over the age of 16 and weighing a minimum of 120 pounds, are eligible to donate. All interested donors are urged to call CBCC at 704-972-4700 to make an appointment and to receive any weather messages. For more information, visit www.cbcc.us.