The Community Blood Bank has had to cancel 16 blood drives since Thanksgiving due to the ongoing severe winter weather.

This includes the blood drive scheduled to take place today at the Fellowship Bible Baptist Church. 

The Blood Bank says the continued cancellations have put a massive strain on local blood supply. 

In an effort to increase the blood supply, the blood bank is hosting an emergency blood drive at Grace Church in Harborcreek. 

The emergency drive is being held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 3. All donors will receive a long sleeve Blood Donor Awareness shirt. 

Additionally, the Erie Donor Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today for those unable to travel to the emergency drive.