The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood donors since the supply has reached critically low levels for blood types O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative.

“It’s a regional shortage,” said Sandy Carlson, donor recruitment representative.

The shortage involves Montana as part of the Lewis and Clark Region that includes Idaho, Utah and small areas of some surrounding states such as Oregon and Wyoming. In a press release, Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Julia Wulf said distributions to hospitals of the four blood types were outpacing donations.

“Overall, blood donations are down in the first five months of 2012 compared to the same period last year,” Wulf said. “As a result, there is almost half the amount of readily available blood in the Red Cross inventory at this point in time.”

Carlson said a number of factors may have impacted donations, such as spring storms and illnesses such as flu. In her job as donor recruitment representative, she coordinates all blood drives.

She said that inventories of blood fluctuate but this shortage has become critical.

“This is unusual for the Red Cross to do a [press] release like this,” Carlson said.

The Red Cross always values donations of type O negative, known as the universal donor type since people of all blood types may receive transfusions of type O negative.

“For example, if you have a car accident victim and no time to type the blood, you can give them O negative blood,” she said.

Carlson said people can call 755-7237 or 1-800-REDCROSS for an appointment for any of the many blood drives each month. She said this area averages 25 a month.

“We’ve started doing some on Saturdays here at the center,” she said.

The Blood Services Center is located at 126 N. Meridian Rd. in Kalispell.

The Inter Lake’s Daybook on page 2 carries the times and places of blood drives. Blood draws may take place inside a business or in the mobile unit.

“The entire process takes about 45 minutes,” Carlson said.

Carlson said she hopes to attract more than just the regular donors to help combat this shortage. She said 16- and 17-year-olds may donate with parental consent in Montana.

She said most people continue to donate once they make their first blood contribution.

“We try hard to make sure they have a good experience the first time,” Carlson said.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com