The New York-Penn Region of the American Red Cross is making an appeal for blood donations this week after supplies have been diminished.

The region currently has just a three-day supply. Standard procedure is to have a five- to seven-day supply.

That supply was tested Sunday by a 36-car accident in the Rochester area.

Red Cross leaders said the recent cold weather has contributed to less productive blood drives as well as canceled drives.

“Our mission is to provide quality blood products to 120 regional hospitals whenever and wherever they are needed,” said Kay Schwartz, chief executive officer of New York-Penn Region, in a press release. “Sunday's accident underscores the necessity of maintaining a healthy, stable, and reliable blood supply for routine patient needs as well as emergencies throughout the region.”

Donors can schedule and keep appointments to donate blood by calling 1 (800) GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org.

To give blood, a person must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.

Sixteen-year-olds may give blood in New York with a signed state informed parental permission form, which can be obtained at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16. Identification is required at the time of donation to give blood.