CUMBERLAND - True to poet Robert Burns' quote about best-laid plans, the solid February blood collection schedule assembled by the Greater Alleghenies Region of American Red Cross Blood Services continues to "go awry" under the weight of snow, sleet and freezing rain.

"So far we've experienced 19 blood drive cancellations, representing the potential of 835 blood donations, which is close to our weekday blood collection goal," said Jim Starr, CEO, Greater Alleghenies Region. "In addition, drives that we have conducted in areas experiencing wintry weather have experienced lower-than-usual donor turnout."

The monthly collections stand at just 90.8 percent of goal and supplies of O negative, O positive, B negative, B positive and A negative are at or below a day's supply, Starr said.

Despite the blood shortage, patient needs continue and may even increase in the event of vehicular accidents, Starr said.

He urged eligible area residents to donate blood at one of the upcoming Red Cross blood drives:

* Wednesday - Garrett College, McHenry, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* Thursday - Burlington (W.Va.) Fire Hall, noon to 6 p.m. and Potomac State College, Keyser, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Friday - NewPage, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friendsville Fire Hall, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

To donate blood, individuals must be at least 17 years old or 16 years old in Maryland and Pennsylvania with parental consent; weigh at least 110 pounds; and be in generally good health. Most donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.

Specific eligibility questions should be directed to nursing collections at (800) 542-5663.

To schedule a blood donation appointment, log on to www.redcrosslife.org or call (800) 448-3543.