Kaitlin Lembo is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the American Red Cross has issued a critical blood shortage warning for the Mid-Hudson Valley following the discovery of a nationwide deficit of more than 16,000 units. “We are reaching out on every media we have, as well as calling donors directly to see if they would donate,” Patty Corvaia, NY-10 blood services region communications director, said January 24. A spokesperson for the Red Cross said blood drives are being canceled or shortened due to the weather. The organization is in need of red blood cells, platelets and plasma, and those with an A negative, B negative or O blood type are encouraged to make a “power red” donation. The Red Cross was unable to provide an estimate of how long the blood shortage is expected to last. People are asked to call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate, or visit redcrossblood [dot] org. Read the full story story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.