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The local blood supply is in critical need of replenishment, according to Blood Assurance.

As of Thursday afternoon, the nonprofit organization had only 110 units, which is a half-day supply. Official said that is 600 units short of where they need to be.

O-positive is the most common blood type, accounting for nearly 40% of the U.S. population, and is always in high demand from area hospitals.

As a result of the low supply, Blood Assurance officials said they may be forced to urge area hospitals to postpone elective surgeries until the supply stabilizes.

Donors are urged to schedule an appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/schedule or walk in to any donation center or mobile blood drive.

All donors who give through the end of the month will be entered into a giveaway promotion for a Macbook. Blood Assurance is giving away three of the laptops.

Tullahoma residents can schedule an appointment at the Blood Assurance at 604 N. Jackson St. near Walgreens by calling 931- 461-5773. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon every third Saturday and Sunday.

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.