Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Blood Bank went into emergency status Sunday night at 7 p.m.
The hospital has been treating heavy diffusions since Christmas, for mostly type B blood. When doctors reached shortages in type B, patients had to be given type O.
Anyone can accept type O blood, but people with type O only can accept type O blood.
The blood bank normally has seasonal shortages caused by the flu. Though there was a replenishment after Sept. 11, the blood bank would like to let the public know donations still are needed.
Now that both blood types are in dire need, the blood blank has gone to the public for help.
Students, faculty and staff can donate blood on campus at the OLOL Blood Mobile on N. Stadium Road. OLOL will be at that location Jan. 28 through Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or they can go to the blood bank at OLOL hospital.