NIH Faces Critical Blood Shortage

The National Institutes of Health blood bank is "in urgent need of group A blood donors," according to an email message from an NIH spokesperson.

"We have patients in the hospital now who need your help. If you are a donor with group A blood, please donate today by visiting the NIH Blood Bank located on the first floor of the Clinical Center," the message read.

The blood bank is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The email message asks donors to call 301-496-1048 to schedule an appointment. "Convenient, free parking is available for blood donors," the message adds.

Learn more about donating blood at NIH's website, http://www.bloodbank.nih.gov.