Blood Assurance is urging O-positive blood donors to give as soon as possible, citing an emergency need after a recent spike in trauma cases that required large amounts of O-positive units.

Officials say the sudden increase in usage has strained an already low supply.

“We are asking all eligible O-positive donors to give as soon as possible,” said Garry Allison, senior vice president of operations at Blood Assurance. “Situations like this show how quickly the local blood supply can drop to critical levels. Every donation helps ensure hospitals have what they need for trauma patients and others requiring lifesaving transfusions.”

Blood Assurance says donors can give at its donation centers — including the Rome location at 178 Shorter Avenue — where walk-ins are welcome. Donations can also be made at mobile blood drives.

Appointments are also available by visiting BloodAssurance.org or calling 800-962-0628.

To be eligible, donors must be at least 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent — weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Donors are encouraged to eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of water before donating.