News in brief BANGOR: RED CROSS HAS CRITICAL NEED FOR TYPE O BLOOD

The American Red Cross Blood Services has less than a day’s supply of Type O blood and is seeking donations. At a minimum, the Red Cross would like to have a three- to five-day supply of every blood type, Maureen Baldini, director of Maine and New Hampshire American Red Cross Blood Services, said Wednesday. Type O blood is particularly important during emergency situations because it is the universal blood type, Baldini said. The director said that 44 percent of the population has Type O blood, which increases its demand. “It seems like the need never goes away,” Baldini said. Although 90 percent of the population has been, or will be blood recipients, only 5 percent will donate, according to recent statistics released by the American Red Cross Blood Services. The Maine Red Cross holds six to eight blood drives each day to fulfill its daily 300-unit goal. The Sumner High School Student Council will hold a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 9 in the school gymnasium.