Blood supply reaches low levels in South Florida

The blood supply in South Florida has reached very low levels and anyone eligible is being asked to donate as soon as possible.

OneBlood, a not-for-profit that provides blood to more than 200 hospitals, said it needs all kinds of blood types and platelets due to high usage in hospitals and fewer than normal donations.

Blood donations are used in all types of medical procedures and can save the lives of patients within a couple of days. Someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion every two seconds and blood donated is normally used within two to three days, according to OneBlood.

People age 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate and will get a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.

For more information, visit: oneblood.org or call 888-936-6283.

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Blood supply reaches low levels in South Florida."