The Red Cross is calling on donors to help replenish its blood supply, which is severely depleted because of seasonal shortages, flu outbreaks and the severe winter storms on the East Coast. As of Jan. 26, 23 of the organization's 37 Blood Services regions were experiencing major shortages with less than a one-day supply of blood. It is preferred to keep at least a three-day supply available at all times.

Baltimore was one of the cities hardest hit by the recent storms, reporting a loss of approximately 1,650 donations.

The next Hopkins blood drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, and Thursday, Feb. 10, in the Glass Pavilion at Homewood. Here are some important statistics:

The Johns Hopkins University blood drives are the most successful drives among colleges and universities in our region.

Last year, JHU surpassed its donation goal by 156 percent.

One blood donation can save three to four lives.

The Homewood campus blood drive alone helped to save more than 4,000 lives in our community last year.

Every 10 seconds, someone in our community receives blood.

More than 1,300 donors are needed daily to supply patients' needs in our community.

Approximately 95 percent of individuals will need blood during their lifetime.

Less than 7 percent of eligible donors in our area donate blood.

More than one-sixth of all blood that the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region of the Red Cross distributes to hospitals in the Baltimore-Washington area goes to patients at JHMI--about 50,000 units of red blood cells a year.

Most recent statistics for JHMI Broadway:
FY 97-98 2,332 pints
FY 98-99 2,434 pints
YTD 1,176 pints

Most recent statistics for Homewood:
FY 97-98 760 pints
FY 98-99 1,228 pints
YTD 1,176 pints

Most recent statistics for Bayview:
FY 97-98 783 pints
FY 98-99 1,228 pints
YTD 806 pints