Blood types sought

The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Regional Red Cross is focusing efforts on increasing donations of Type O and Type B blood in January, which is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.

Type O is the most common blood type and is the type most often used. Type O also is used in medical emergencies when there is no time to determine the patient's blood type.

Twenty percent of blacks have Type B blood, compared with 9 percent of Caucasians. Blacks suffering from sickle cell anemia and other acute or chronic illnesses need frequent blood transfusions.

People who are at least 17, healthy and weigh more than 110 pounds can be blood donors. Call 764-4619.