The American Red Cross has issued an urgent plea for blood donations, saying that blood supplies nationwide have reached critically low levels, with less than one day's supply of several blood types. Thousands of accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies and others need blood to stay alive. All types are needed.

Faculty, staff and students can donate blood on the Homewood campus on Wednesday, July 17, or Thursday, July 18, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Levering's Glass Pavilion. Because of construction, entrance to the building will be from the west and north (lower level rear doorways). Routes from Garland, Gilman and the upper quad will be marked with signs and balloons.

For faster service, appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, go to http://www.jhu.edu/~outreach/blooddrive or send e-mail to the blood drive coordinator at hmwdblooddrive@jhu.edu or call 410-516-0138. Groups that would like to give blood together are encouraged to contact the coordinator to make arrangements.

If you have never given blood or have not given recently, you can check for current eligibility guidelines on the Web site or by calling the Red Cross at 800-GIVE-LIFE. If you are currently ineligible because of temporary restrictions (such as travel), you are asked to give the Red Cross contact information in case the restrictions are lifted. The Web site also includes information and a video to familiarize prospective donors with the donation process.