The American Red Cross has announced that there is a critical blood shortage throughout the United States and has issued a national appeal for blood donations. The hardest hit areas are Los Angeles, Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, but levels are down nationwide. Blood can be lifesaving in emergencies, but the greatest life-extending effect is seen in people having surgery or those undergoing treatment for cancer -- situations where blood substitutes simply won't work. Call the number above to arrange to donate a gift of life.