By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – The Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations. Officials say the bi-state region is down to a two-day supply, and all types of blood are needed to replenish stocks.
Christine Bales heads regional blood services for the Red Cross. She says summer is usually a difficult time for collecting donations.
"This month marks the worst start to summer donations in over a decade," Bales said. "It's not only here in Missouri and Illinois, it's that way across the United States."
The Red Cross will hold a blood drive Saturday and Sunday at the St. Louis Science Center.
Missouri residents must be 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds to donate. 16-year olds may give blood in Illinois with a parental consent form.