nbsp; The Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold an open blood drive from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Hillsborough Family YMCA, 19 East Mountain Ave.
To be eligible, donors must be at least 110 pounds, 16 years of age and in good general health. While the demand for blood transfusions is growing more rapidly than donations, only about 2.5 percent of the eligible population donates.
Winter storms throughout the country have caused a shortage. It is estimated that since Jan. 1, the total number of blood donations uncollected due to winter storms has risen to more than 28,000. Donors are asked to make and keep an appointment; all blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-negative, A-negative and B-negative blood.
This blood drive is completely open; appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.

