Blood Assurance, whose donors are the sole providers of blood for more than 70 hospitals and healthcare facilities, including Cherokee Medical Center, is issuing an appeal for all blood types.
Blood inventory levels are nearing critical stages.
Current levels of O negative donations are below a two-day supply.
O negative blood is known as the universal blood type because it can be given to patients in an emergency situation when their own blood type is unknown.
If you can help by donating blood, call 1-800-962-0628 to schedule appointments at any Blood Assurance donation center including the one in Rome.