Blood banks in Washington are urging residents to donate blood after available supplies reached alarming low levels in January.

Cold weather and dangerous driving conditions have kept many donors from making or keeping appointments, according to a release from the state Department of Health. This has led to shortages of available blood for transfusions and treatment, particularly for Type O blood, both negative and positive, and platelets. 

Low blood supplies can lead hospitals to delay or cancel procedures, while also limiting emergency departments’ ability to respond to mass casualties or other health emergencies.  

One pint of donated blood can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, plasma, or platelets to people in need. It takes 1,000 donors a day to keep up with the demand for blood.

The American Red Cross has a donation center at 477 Wellsian Way in Richland. It is open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Donation appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Other donations sites and times can also be found and scheduled online.