A shortage of O negative and O positive blood has led the Blood Bank of Alaska to issue a call for needed donors.

The Blood Bank needs continual blood donations of all blood types in order to meet the need for blood in Anchorage and throughout Alaska.

Currently the group needs 700 donations in the coming weeks. The Blood Bank is taking donations by appointment only in order to ensure the safety of donors and staff.

To donate call (907) 222-5630 or visit www.bloodbankofalaska.org to make an appointment.

The Blood Bank of Alaska provides blood and blood products to hospitals and clinics across the state. It has four centers, two in Anchorage, one in Wasilla and one in Fairbanks. Donations help cancer patients, accident victims, babies and more from all across the state.