WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Our Blood Institute, the sixth-largest independent blood center in the county, is continuing its plea for donors to step up and help stem a severe blood shortage.

A combination of wintry weather and seasonal illness has seen supplies deplete while also keeping donors home.

The institute is now 2,000 donations short of the needed amount to replenish the local supply - and that doesn’t include the 1,200 donations needed daily to meet regular needs from area hospitals.

“Halfway is no way to save a life,” Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute, said. “We’ve extended hours, added drives and donors have started showing up—but not enough to make up lost ground. The need is still urgent. Please help us cross the finish line.”

2/14- MSU Blood Drive on the bloodmobile at Mustangs Walk from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

2/17- Iowa Park Community Blood Drive at Faith Baptist Church from 2-5:30 p.m.

2/18- Kell West Regional Hospital Blood Drive on the Bloodmobile from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

2/18- YMCA Bill Bartley Branch on the Bloodmobile from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

2/19- Vernon College Century City Campus from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

2/27- Texoma Community Credit Union on the Bloodmobile from 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

2/27- KMOC Christian Radio on the Bloodmobile from 2-4:30 p.m.

2/28- Boys & Girls Club in Burkburnett on the Bloodmobile from 2:30-6 p.m.