Blood donations have been low and ConnectLife in Western New York has declared an emergency.

Officials say there tends to be a greater need when approaching the warmer months, but they've seen a dramatic increase over the last week, and hospitals need even more blood than they did pre-pandemic.

Spectrum News is told there are also more surgical procedures being done right now that were postponed due to the pandemic.

While all blood types are needed, right now officials say they have less than a two day supply of Type O blood.

“Anyone entering a hospital can receive type O negative blood, so that's why it's so critical if someone has a major bleeding episode and their blood type isn't known yet, that's the type of blood that's first needed. When you look at one major car accident, multiple victims from a trauma could wipe out literally the entire region's blood supply,” Amanda Farrell, senior director of blood recruitment, said.

Now it is important to note that vaccinations do not impact your ability to donate and there is no waiting period.

There are 10 donation centers across Western New York and various mobile sites. To find a location closest to you, call ConnectLife at 716-529-4270.