PLANS SET FOR BLOOD DRIVE OFFICIALS FACING NATIONAL SHORTAGE.

Byline: Daily News

With nearly half of the region's blood supplies running short, the American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.

United States blood bank and public health leaders recently issued a national plea for blood donations in the face of shortages that have left some parts of the country in a state of emergency, with less than a one-day supply.

``The East and Southeast have been hit the hardest, but because that region imports more than 45 percent of its blood from out-of-state centers, the scarcity could mean shortages at local hospitals supplied largely by the Red Cross in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties,'' said Ross Herron, medical director for the American Red Cross Blood Services Southern California Region.

``Our supplies are OK right now, but we don't collect enough blood here to be self-sufficient.''

Although supplies were high after Sept. 11, the blood donated at that time has either been transfused or has expired. Red blood cells last 42 days and platelets are good for only five days. On average, 34,000 units of red blood cells, or about 34,000 pints, are needed per day for patients in the U.S., officials said.

Shortages typically occur during holidays or summer months when donors are on vacation and when schools, where many blood drives take place, are not in full session.

This blood drive will take place in the hospital cafeteria, 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Those who would like to donate should call [phone] to schedule an appointment.