The American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan is asking for donations of type O negative blood as the supply has dipped to "critical levels."

According to a written request released Thursday, the dip is due to hundreds of cancellations of blood drives throughout the country because of the wintry weather in the last month. The southeastern region of Michigan has been down in collections by 2,500 units. 

Type O negative blood is in higher demand than other types because it is universal, meaning any blood type receives it in an emergency. The organization is accepting donations from all blood types but is specifically requesting type O negative at this time. 

The Southeastern Region of Michigan American Red Cross supplies 100 pints of type O negative to 43 area hospitals daily. 

To schedule a donation appointment, you can call 800-733-2767 or visit the organization's website.