Get your blood pumping for crash survivors

A Bay Area nonprofit group that provides blood and plasma to hospitals is staying open an extra day to take in blood donations after the Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash at SFO.

Officials at the Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP) announced on Facebook Saturday evening they are looking to send additional units of blood and plasma to the hospitals caring for the injured:

“Right now, blood supplies are holding steady. However in the new few days it will be critical to replenish our supplies, especially Type O negative red cells and AB plasma.”

On Sunday, blood donations are being accepted by appointment only at San Francisco’s Irwin Center and Millbrae’s Peninsula Center.  All 16 of the centers throughout the Bay Area will be open Monday.

Blood donations through BCP are distributed to many Bay Area hospitals, including San Francisco General Hospital,, where dozens of the crash victims are being cared for.

Hospital spokeswoman Rachel Kagan says people being treated at the hospital are suffering from a number of injuries, including burns, fractures, head injuries and internal bleeding.

If you’re interested in donating blood, you will need to be:

• 17 years old, or 16 with written permission of parent or guadian
• at least 110 pounds (different requirements for 16-22-year-olds)
• have a well-balanced meal within four hours of donation
• in good health

For a more detailed listed of guidelines, please visit the BCP general requirements page. To make an appointment, visit BloodHeroes.com or call (877) 827-4376.