Meg Jones

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The BloodCenter of Wisconsin has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations.

Fewer donations were made in the last few weeks because of flu season and last week's snowstorm when scheduled appointments to donate were canceled. The center is the exclusive provider of blood to 56 hospitals in Wisconsin.

The BloodCenter has had less than a one-day supply of O negative blood for nearly a week and less than a two-day supply of most other blood types for more than a month. The goal is for a constant three-day supply.

To schedule an appointment call (877) BE-A-HERO, (877) 232-4376. Donors must be 17 or older, in general good health and meet eligibility requirements. Parental consent is needed for 16-year-olds. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.