The American Red Cross held a blood drive on the campus of YSU Thursday...Because of the recent bad weather many blood drives have been canceled in the area and there is a shortage of blood at this time...Blood donor Matt Cowles of Poland, left, gives the thumb-up when asked how he is doing by American Red Cross Class II phlebotomist technician Avery Shader of Sharon, PA...by R. Michael Semple

A severe blood shortage continues in the Mahoning Valley and throughout Northern Ohio, according to the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross has reported a 35% drop in supply over the past month due to severe winter weather canceling drives, along with high flu activity. Some 19 blood collection drives in the region have been canceled due to the severe snowstorm and subzero conditions.

Donations are urgently needed, especially for O-negative, O-positive, A-negative, and B-negative types.

In response, many turned out Thursday for a blood drive at Youngstown State University.

Another blood drive is scheduled 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital at 8401 Market St. in Boardman.

On Saturday, a blood drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Penguin City Brewing, 460 E. Federal St. in downtown Youngstown.