One of the worst snowstorms in recent years has caused severe blood shortages throughout New England. High winds and heavy snow accumulations forced blood drive cancellations throughout the American Red Cross Blood Services, New England Region. Approximately 2,400 units of blood and virtually all platelets have been lost as a result of the two-day storm, said officials.

Hospitals have been receiving emergency shipments of blood, but regular standing orders had to be canceled earlier this week.

In Maine more than 400 units of blood were lost due to the storm. The Red Cross is urging people of all blood types to donate as soon as possible at either the Bangor Donor Center or at a local blood drive to bring blood supplies back up to adequate levels.

Red Cross Blood Centers within the New England Region, which were closed during the height of the storm, will be open noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, noon to 7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

In order to give blood, potential donors must be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors can give blood every eight weeks.

For specific questions about eligibility or to find the nearest blood donation site, call 941-2900 or 1-800-432-7376 or log on to www.newenglandblood.org.

Maine sites for blood drives and times will be:

Noon to 5 p.m. Monday, March 121, Lee Academy, Lee.

Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield.

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15, Veterans Administration Hospital, Togus.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 15, the Ballroom at the University of Maine at Bangor.

12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, Greenville Kiwanis and Key Club, at the American Legion Hall, Greenville.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 17, Star Trek Blood Drive, Bangor Red Cross Donor Center 900 Hammond St.