The blood bank in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, has been facing a severe blood shortage. And the situation has turned even more severe over Spring Festival as people spend the traditional new year with their families. Only about 400 people donated blood during the first 8 days of the holiday - far less than needed.

The difficulties for the blood bank in Changsha are so severe that it may have soon run out in blood center.

Li Zhong, Vice Director of Changsha Blood Center, said, "We have less than 2,000 packs of blood in storage. And only around 70 packs are being collected each day during Spring Festival. The blood bank will be empty in four or five days if the situation doesn't change."

Currently, daily blood collection only meets a quarter of demand.

A Nurse said, "Only two people donated blood today."

Blood types A and O are in especially dire supply. And the government has had to restrict the use of the blood - giving priority to pregnant women, and those with severe disease.

Gan Yi, Doctor of Xiangya Hospital of Changsha, said, "We postponed surgeries on patients with A and O blood types, and they'll have to wait in line for the blood. Meanwhile, patients with more than 6 grams of hemachrome won't be given a transfusion."

Adapting to the situation has taken on several forms. Some companies are encouraging their staff to donate blood, and the government has made some changes to incentivise donation.

Li said, "If someone donates their blood, their family gets priority if they need it. We hope this policy will encourage more people to donate."

College students and migrant workers make up 60% of blood donors. Mr. Li hopes that this number will change as more people from more walks of life join in.

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