Blood Assurance, a regional blood center, is issuing a critical appeal for A+ and A- blood donations due to a shortage of these types. When separated into components, one donation can benefit up to three patients at more than 50 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region, a representative for the center said. Approximately 36 percent of the donor population has type A+, while only 6 percent of the population has type A- blood. Previous donors who are unsure of their blood type can visit any Blood Assurance location or blood drive and show a photo ID to learn their type. Donors who are interested in finding a blood drive can visit www.bloodassurance.org/blooddrives. For other questions, call 800-962-0628 or visit www.bloodassurance.org, where visitors can chat with a representative.