Los Angeles area hospitals are receiving regular...

Los Angeles area hospitals are receiving regular blood shipments and are no longer on “emergency only” status for usage of type O and B blood, the American Red Cross said. More than 200 Southland hospitals were asked to restrict their use of these blood types to “bleeder” cases during one of the worst blood shortages to hit the area in several years, Red Cross spokeswoman Gerry Sohle said. Several public appeals for donations drew 2,500 units more than expected last week, and Red Cross blood supplies should be back to normal by the end of next week.