An emergency appeal for blood donations by the individuals has been issued by Meek Blood Center, and the donors have been asked to donate at the Donor Center, or at the Bloodmobile parked at Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3666 Buffalo Gap Road.

The center, supplying blood to 15 hospitals in 12 counties, plans to hold blood drives in order to meet the mark of about 1,000 blood donations which are required to meet local and regional needs, every month.

Many donors had been confined to their homes due to February's wintry weather conditions and even the center's traveling capabilities had been restricted.

With a chance in the age restrictions of the donors, the individuals, cleared of the hepatitis A virus, will be in a position to donate blood.

Donor Recruiter Frances Baker said that the restriction was lifted because hepatitis A was a milder form of the virus and was passed via food, and not blood, like hepatitis B and C were.

Consent forms, available for 16 year olds who want to donate blood, are offered at the donation locations, and can be obtained by the eligible donors who weigh at least 120 Pounds.