HURRICANE KATRINA IMPACTS ALREADY FRAGILE BLOOD SUPPLY Blood Donors Needed Now   (Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005) ATLANTA - As Hurricane Katrina came ashore along the Gulf Coast, she impacted an already fragile blood supply.  Many of the American Red Cross’ Alabama-Central Gulf Coast blood collection operations have been suspended in affected areas.  As the storm moves inland, operations in an even wider area are expected to be impacted.   The blood supply has been at critical levels for most blood types, but especially types O and B, throughout the summer.  Now, with a holiday weekend looming and the effects of Katrina, the blood supply could drop to dangerous levels. The Red Cross is urging individuals who can safely travel to blood donation centers and blood drives to do so as soon as possible.   “Hospital patients throughout the Gulf Coast area are still in need of blood,” commented Chris Hrouda, vice president of the Southeast Division of the American Red Cross which includes the Gulf Coast areas of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, as well as Georgia and North and South Carolina.  “The Red Cross is counting on its blood donors to help us meet patient needs in our local area as well as provide assistance to those in the storm’s path.”   The Red Cross already has sent blood ahead to hospitals in areas affected by the storm in case impassible roads make it difficult to distribute additional blood supplies later this week.  The Southern Region of the Red Cross also is shipping blood via courier to Birmingham, Alabama because of problems with getting planes in and out of their airport. Additional blood will be sent to the storm areas on an as-needed basis.           The Southern Region has seven metro-area blood donor centers in:  Midtown, Marietta, Dunwoody/Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Duluth, Stockbridge, and South Fulton at Camp Creek MarketPlace.  Most of the centers are open Monday through Saturday. Hours vary by location.   Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. A photo ID also is required.  To make an appointment or locate the nearest blood drive or donor center, call 1-800 GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.givebloodredcross.org.   # # #