With the recent inclement weather, which has, no doubt, contributed to the need for blood from both motor vehicle accidents caused by people who are not used to the conditions and by individuals slipping on the ice, the following plea becomes my own. I urge anyone who is able to donate blood today.

The Blood Center reopened its doors Thursday morning at 11 a.m. We strongly urge the community to get out and donate now. Blood donations halted after schools, businesses and road closures late Tuesday and Wednesday. Continued blood usage from area hospitals requires the immediate support of all eligible donors to avert the blood supply from declining further to potentially dangerously low levels.

Every type is the right type, and while 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, less than 5 percent actually does. To maintain a healthy and stable community blood supply, The Blood Center must collect between 300 to 350 pints of blood every day.

The Blood Center, a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer Board of Trustees, is the primary supplier of blood and blood components to more than 30 area hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. The Blood Center operates 10 donor centers throughout the Gulf South.

All blood types are in currently in demand. Please visit online at www.thebloodcenter.org to find a donor center in your area or call 1-800-86-BLOOD to organize a community blood drive for your school, business, civic or religious organization.

You can also find The Blood Center on various social media at @TheBloodCenter.

Here are a few fast facts from The Blood Center.

• It would only take 1 percent more Americans to end blood shortages.
• Blood donors need to be 17 years of age (or 16 with a parental consent) and bring a picture ID.
• The donation process takes less than an hour.
• Someone needs blood every three seconds.
• You can donate blood every 56 days.

Marcelle Hanemann is a news reporter for The Daily News. You can email her at marcelle.hanemann@bogalusadailynews.com or call her at 985-732-2565, ext. 301.