Following a difficult summer, the blood supply for the Chesapeake and Potomac region is still very low. According to the American Red Cross, at the beginning of last week, the regional blood bank had only 29 units of O-plus blood, the most common type. When local demand exceeds supply, the Red Cross must import blood from other regions.

Hopkins faculty, staff and students can donate blood on the Homewood campus on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 25, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Leveringšs Glass Pavilion.

Appointments are recommended for faster service, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, go to www.jhu.edu/~outreach/blooddrive send e-mail to hmwdblooddrive@jhu.edu or call 410-516-0138.

To expedite the process, individuals who have traveled extensively outside the United States should bring a list of the places and dates they have visited. Those who have never given blood or have not given recently should check the Web site for current eligibility guidelines, or call the Red Cross at 800-GIVE-LIFE.