Blood Assurance, the only provider of blood products for more than 50 hospitals and health care communities, is operating on less than a two-day supply of type O-negative blood. This universal type can be given to patients with any blood type in emergency situations.

There is also a community shortage of type O-positive blood, the most common blood type.

Summer shortages are a frequent occurence at blood centers across the country. The average donor gives blood just twice each year. According to America's Blood Centers, if eligible donors gave blood just one additional time each year, blood shortages would be rare.

Donors must be at least 17-years-old (16-years-old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days. Donors who do not know their blood type can call Blood Assurance at 1-800-962-0628 or present a photo ID at any area blood drive.

A list of area blood drives can be found at bloodassurance.org/blooddrives.