Updated – January 6 – The Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac (GC&P) Region, which includes Adams and York Counties, has just reported that their blood supply is at critical levels and that the lack of donated blood is disrupting surgeries. Further, the GC&P Red Cross says they are unable to get blood from their network and are “on their own” in keeping the blood supply available to everyone who needs it whenever they need it.

The GC&P Red Cross is urgently asking for donors to please donate now to deal with this critical shortage.

While the winter months are often thought of in terms of the holidays and celebration, they also bring on the greatest need for a valuable resource, blood.  In partnership with the American Red Cross, the New Birth of Freedom Council is once again conducting a council-wide blood drive campaign which is currently underway, hosting numerous blood drives throughout south-central Pennsylvania in January and February.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age, and have parental permission.  For more information on specific locations, donation requirements and to schedule an appointment to donate, please go to www.redcrossblood.org/boyscouts2012.