The Arizona Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross has put out a plea for blood after Saturday's shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
"Hospitals requested additional units of types O positive and O negative blood earlier today in response to the shootings," said CEO Darrin Greenlee, "and because of the everyday generosity of Arizona donors, we were able to fill the hospital orders from our existing supply. However, we will need the community's help to begin replenishing specific blood types."
The region anticipates that it can fill local hospital blood needs, but because of the extra units used Saturday, it needs to start replenish its supply of O positive and O negative blood.
The region's two blood donor centers in Tucson will be open today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for donors with type O negative and O positive blood only.
The donor centers are at Foothills Mall, 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. and at 7139 E. Broadway.
Donors can also schedule donation appointments online at redcrossblood.org
