One plea after another for blood donors has been met with some response, but not nearly enough to meet the demand in our hospitals.

According to the American Red Cross, “Donors have been stepping up to help rebuild the blood supply since the American Red Cross first announced our national blood shortage last month. Unfortunately, hospital demand continues to outpace donations. We need an additional 10,000 blood donations each week over the next month to meet patient needs.”

If you have Type O blood, you are especially encouraged to give.

Of course, there is a new round of incentives through Nov. 9 — $10 restaurant gift cards for donors and entry for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card — but the real incentive should be knowing you might make the difference in saving a life. And, no, having received your flu or updated COVID-19 vaccine will not make you ineligible to give.

Generally speaking, if you are 17 years of age in most states, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, you may be eligible to donate blood.

Local opportunities to donate blood include:

* On Oct. 30, at the Madden Student Center on the Davis & Elkins College campus, at 100 College Drive in Elkins, from noon to 5:30 p.m.

* Nov. 1, at the First United Methodist Church at 101 First Street in Parsons, from noon to 5 p.m.

Local residents are generous with their time and money — always have been. But in this case, the need to roll up the sleeves and get to work takes on a different sense of urgency. Such a significant shortage in our hospitals means everyone who is eligible must consider giving blood — gift card or not.