The U.P. Regional Blood Center is asking for the public’s help. Supplies of O-negative and A-negative blood are at critical levels. Having a local blood supply center allows healthcare providers to treat a wide variety of patients in the U.P. and all donations of blood and plasma are used exclusively in the U.P. The Regional Blood Center has donation sites in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba, and it is the primary supplier of blood products to hospitals in the U.P.. The center also partners with community organizations to host drives across the region. A donation of one unit of blood or plasma could save up to three lives and typically takes only about an hour to complete. To find a blood drive near you or to schedule an appointment, go to uphealhsystem.com