Blood donations are short in Colorado as hospitals report a supply shortage.

Hospitals across Colorado report falling blood supplies while the American Red Cross cites canceled drives and illness as contributors; Denver Health says Type O blood is the most commonly used in emergencies.

Hospitals across Colorado are reporting a drop in blood inventories during a demanding time of year. Denver Health says blood is essential for both routine care and urgent cases. The American Red Cross reported about a 35% decrease in inventory for the region. Officials attribute the decline largely to canceled blood drives and higher illness-related absences among donors. Current facts: - The American Red Cross reported roughly a 35% decrease in regional blood inventory, and attributed some of the decline to winter storms and illness that canceled drives. - Denver Health's blood bank typically uses about 500 units of red blood cells per month and about 100 units of fresh frozen plasma per month. - Denver Health reports that Type O blood (O positive and O negative) is the most commonly transfused product and is used in emergency settings before a patient’s type is known. - Denver Health plans a Red Cross blood drive on Feb. 19, and Red Cross regional leaders have noted widespread cancellations of collection events in recent weeks. Summary: The reported shortage has tightened hospital blood inventories and prompted careful use of available products. Denver Health has a scheduled Red Cross drive on Feb. 19 and the Red Cross has highlighted the recent cancellations and lower donor turnout as factors affecting supplies.