Blood supplies are dangerously low throughout the nation according to a statement released by the Heartland Blood Centers, a main supplier of blood and blood products in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana area.

The center has organized several times and locations for people to donate blood to help the problem.

“Healthy individuals in our communities are asked to come forward now and give so that patients can get blood they need for their treatment and recovery,” said Dennis Mestrich, president and CEO of Heartland Blood Centers.

The low inventories are keeping people from having scheduled surgeries in order to preserve stored blood for emergencies. 450 units of blood are needed daily to meet the needs of patients.

Heartland is inviting all possible donors to come to one of the mobile donation centers being setup in August. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and be free of cold or flu symptoms.

Blood donors who have traveled outside the United States in the past 12 months can call Heartland at 1-800-786-4483 to determine eligibility. All donors must present a picture ID.