Advertisement Blood Center of New Orleans asks for help to replenish critically low blood supply Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The Blood Center of New Orleans said its blood supply is critically low, but the need continues to remain high at area hospitals.“There's really no rhyme or reason for it, but the need has definitely increased. We really need people to come out and donate,” said Paul Adams, with the Blood Bank.Adams said ideally, the center should be collecting between 300 to 350 pints of blood daily to keep up a stable supply. But he said this is a difficult feat in the summer months.“About 20 percent of our supply comes from high school and college students. So when school's out, the collections aren't there. And we've got everyone going on vacation,” said Adams. “There has been an increase in need. So we're looking at this and saying we probably need closer to a four-day supply. So we need people to get out there.”Adams said the public needs to keep in mind that it’s hurricane season too.“When weather hits, the hospitals are still going to be working. So we need to be able to take care of those people now,” said Adams. “And when the storm clears up, and we're able to get back in our homes, we still have enough on the shelf, so that we're able to take care of the people who might get hurt.”Adams said it's critical that people donate blood now.Donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. The center will also accept donations from 16-year-olds, but they must weigh at least 130 pounds and have a signed parental consent form.“It's a simple, simple process. It takes about 30 minutes, and it can save up to three lives,” said Adams.This weekend is also a chance for people to save dozens of lives and support a family after a tragedy. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Divine Mercy Church in Kenner, there will be a blood drive and fundraiser for Phillip and Anita Lynch. The couple was brutally attacked with a hammer inside of their Kenner home over the weekend.At last check, both were still in critical condition.Click here for information on how to donate.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!