Officials with the Tennessee Valley Region of the American Red Cross have put out an urgent request for three specific blood types. The Red Cross says hospitals across the region are experiencing a need for blood that is exceeding the supply and donations.

The types that are currently in short supply are A-negative, B-negative, and O. Anyone who is eligible to donate is being asked to call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a donation location and to schedule an appointment. Red Cross officials say a world-wide blood donation day is scheduled for Thursday.