Thanks to The Blizzard of 2013's traffic bans and power outages, the Rhode Island Blood Center missed about 600 blood donations, and they need your help to avoid running out.

The organization is asking donors, particularly platelet donors, to consider donating blood as soon as possible, helping to avoid a blood shortage.

“We lost two days to the blizzard and a quarter of our state was without power, causing lost blood drives and donation days,” said Frank Prosnitz, the Rhode Island Blood Center’s communications manager. “Not all power has been restored, jeopardizing some blood drives and certainly diverting donors’ attention to their own immediate needs."

But those factors haven't diminished the daily demand for up to 280 pints of blood for hospitalized patients.

 “Our platelet supply in particular was enough to carry us through the early part of this week, but it is essential that we replenish supplies to avoid any blood shortages," Prosnitz said.

There is a blood drive coming up in Middletown on Feb. 27 from 10 am to 12 noon with a Barrington connection.

• Matt Gagliano, of Fitness Together on County Road, will be at the Aquidneck Island Donor Center offering information on lifestyle choices as well as tips and strategies to get fit and heart smart with your exercise routines.

Each day the Blood Center holds multiple blood drives, besides its regular schedules at its five donor centers. For information about blood drives, please visit the Blood Center’s web site at www.ribc.org.