Miller-Keystone Blood Center has issued an appeal for donors of all blood types and platelets.

Deb Otto, director of Donor Resources, said this week that the center's inventory of red blood cells has reached critical levels."The ideal blood inventory on our shelves should be a three-day supply, or approximately 1,500 units," she said."At this time, we are only at about 500 units. More than 450 donors are needed every day in our community, to help in the care of premature infants, accident victims, cancer patients and others in need of life-saving transfusions at our regional hospitals."The number of people donating has dropped, but the hospital's demand has not, Otto said."I would just like to remind people that blood cannot be manufactured, it can only come from the kind generosity of volunteer blood donors. If there was ever a time to donate, now is that time."The number of donations dropped around the holidays but has remained low. Otto believes the cold weather and flu are keeping people away from donating."As a community we must come together and ensure that our friends, neighbors, and relatives have the lifesaving blood products they need. We need all willing and able bodied people to donate today. It is really that desperate of a situation right now," Otto said.It can take up to 50 units of blood to help someone in a car crash, and up to eight units to help someone with internal bleeding. It can also take up to eight units a week to help someone battling leukemia.The Western Pocono Community Library in Brodheadsville hosts a Miller-Keystone satellite center, where people can donate blood from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.Donor Dale Green of Palmerton saw his mother faithfully donate blood for years.But it wasn't until sisters and registered nurses at Blue Mountain Health Systems Gnaden Huetten campus, Judy Mantz and Janet Raub, held a blood drive for their mother a few years ago that Dale became inspired to donate. He has been doing it on a regular basis ever since."I donate platelets twice a month because I know how important it is," says Green, an environmental services employee at Gnaden Huetten campus.Emil Suarez of Saylorsburg says he donates blood every eight to 10 weeks."I know the blood supply is important in saving lives," he says.Maureen and David Christy of Effort, volunteer at the Brodheadsville site and donate blood every eight to 12 weeks."My mother had a heart condition and needed transfusions. My brother and sister have cardio problems, so I understand the importance of donating blood.Husband and wife Rich and Terry Stevens of Effort donate every two months since they retired."We know there's a need and it's something easy we can do for others," says Terry.Pat Oswald of Miller-Keystone says it services 28 local hospitals. She knows first hand the importance of donating blood."My father had to receive blood and he wouldn't have lived as long as he did without it."Staff member Tanya Williams said."If people don't donate, there is none to give. There is no substitute."Donors can find a blood drive on GIVEaPINT.org or visit one of Miller-Keystone's fixed site or satellite locations or call Otto at 610-691-5850 ext. 1227 or email:

dotto@GIVEaPINT.org.In order to donate, people must be 17 years of age or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be feeling healthy.For more information, call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667).