Got blood?

If, as we think we can safely presume, the answer is yes, we encourage you to head over to the Harry Green Chevrolet dealership on Old Bridgeport Hill Road between noon and 6 p.m. today. The Harrison County chapter of the Red Cross will be there, and they'll be more than just a little happy to see you.

Why? Because our county chapter of the Red Cross, along with others throughout the nation, are trying to replenish waning blood supplies with additional drives -- this being one of them. In recent weeks, the Red Cross has seen its blood supply go down. On a national level, 27 of the organization's 37 blood service regions were left with less than a day's supply of type O blood, the universal blood type.

Jim Minutelli, director of the Harrison County chapter, says part of the reason was the recent holiday season; people are simply too busy to donate blood. In addition, the nation is experiencing a pretty nasty flu outbreak that has been more than enough to keep people at home.

Minutelli encourages those with type O blood to donate, since their blood can be safely transfused to just about all patients in emergency situations. But he adds that all other blood types are needed.

So if you're at least 18 and in good health, please donate a little time and a little blood. After all, as Minutelli points out, it's "easier than it's ever been." It's pretty painless, only takes about an hour, and could potentially result in the saving of a life -- possibly a loved one.

Think about it.

Today's editorial reflects the opinion of the Exponent editorial board, which is comprised of John G. Miller, James G. Logue, Kevin S. Courtney, Patrick M. Martin and J. Cecil Jarvis.