Blood supply reaches 15 year low

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Red Cross is facing a major blood shortage.

"Right now we are facing the most critical blood shortage we've seen in about 15 years in the summer," said Ana Parrelli, Donor Recruitment Manager at the Red Cross Blood Donor Center in Springfield.

Extreme heat combined with severe storms and wild fires in the West have left blood banks low on supply across the country.

Parrelli says the demand for blood is constant.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion.

Cancer survivor, Henry Heaphy, says a shortage puts people's lives at risk.

"You depend on others for life, whether it's the doctors or other people who give blood and I think it's important for people to think of other people in times of need," said Heaphy.

All blood types are needed.

To donate, you must be 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

Here is a list of blood drives in Western Massachusetts:

07/31/2012 Lanesboro Berkshire Mall 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Old State Road

07/31/2012 Lee Lee Council on Aging 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM 21 Crossway

08/01/2012 North Adams American Legion 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM 91 American Legion Drive

08/01/2012 Southwick Blossoming Acres-Putnam Farms 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM 249 College Highway

08/02/2012 Springfield St. Catherine of Siena Parish 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM 1023 Parker Street 

08/03/2012 Turners Falls Turners Falls Fire Dept. 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM 180 Turnpike Road

08/03/2012 Springfield Eastfield Mall 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM 1655 Boston Road

For more information, log on to www.redcross.org