LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, which supplies 19 hospitals in north and central Florida with blood and blood products, is issuing an emergency appeal for O-negative blood, due to a critical shortage of this type.

"This shortage hit when usage at our hospitals increased dramatically, and donations decreased due to the holiday season starting, making it critical for O-negative donors to stop in to our centers or visit one of our blood drives," said LifeSouth North Florida District Director, JD Pettyjohn in Gainesville.

Only about six percent of the population has O-negative blood, but anyone of any blood type can receive it, so having it available for emergencies is critical.

Anyone 17 or 16 with parental permission, weighing a minimum of 110 pounds and in good health is eligible to donate. A photo ID is also required.

Please donate in Gainesville at 1221 NW 13th Street or at 4039 Newberry Road, in Alachua at 15652 NW Hwy 441, behind Moe's, or in Chiefland at 2202 N. Young Blvd in the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center.

Call toll-free at 888-795-2707 for center hours of operation or for more information about blood drives in the area.