The blood supply level has remained low in the Johnstown Region of the American Red Cross despite an increase in donors following the holiday season.

"While we are out of our critical stage, it is still urgent that people come out and donate," said Kim Piskura, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross' Johnstown Region.

To maintain optimal blood supply levels in the region, 715 pints of blood must be collected daily.

"On average we have been collecting 80 to 85 percent of that amount," Piskura said. "If we continue at that rate, it's not good."

Although donations did increase in State College last week, they are down again this week, said Connie Schroeder, American Red Cross campus coordinator for the University.

About 20 donors gave blood in Tuesday's blood drive held at the American Red Cross office, 121 E. Beaver Ave.

Centre Community Hospital, which gets its entire blood supply from the Johnstown region has not been affected greatly by the shortage and has not had to delay any surgeries, said Terri Long, technical supervisor of the hospital's laboratory.

"We have a little more difficulty getting the (blood) levels we want, but it hasn't affected us significantly," she said.

Although blood donations usually decrease during the holiday season, the arrival of the flu and the recession have played a role in making this year's shortage worse than normal, Piskura said.

In order to combat the shortage, the Red Cross is planning the Penn State-Temple Lifesaver Cup blood drive, to be held on campus Jan. 21 to Feb. 10.

"Penn State and State College have always come out with great drive, and we hope they will continue to do so," Piskura said.