BLOOD DRIVES ARE SET IN AREA FOR THIS WEEK

MORLEY -- To help bolster a precariously low blood supply, the American Red Cross will hold blood drives this week in Southeast Missouri.

The American Red Cross reports that in addition to the normal concerns of possible summer blood shortages, some community blood drives were canceled this summer due to flooded roads and the need to focus on disaster relief for flood victims.

As a result, two of the eight blood types are down by more than 40 percent. The Red Cross urges anyone who has yet to give blood this summer to do so.

Blood drives will be held from 1-6 p.m. Monday at Scott County Central High School near Morley; from 2-6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Bell City school cafeteria, Highway 91 and School Street; and from 2-7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Meadow Heights High School cafeteria on Route 72 in Patton.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. For more information about giving blood or sponsoring a blood drive, call the American Red Cross at (314) 658-2126.