JON MULLER (left), mobile supervisor for United Blood Services, draws blood from Rex Brinkerhoff of Cortez on Wednesday morning at the county annex. More than 150 names of would-be donors were collected by 11 a.m. as citizens responded to Tuesday’s terrorist attacks by donating blood. The Southwestern Cowbelles provided home-baked goods and beverages for donors.

Four Corners residents poured into area blood centers to give donations Wednesday, prompting United Blood Services to beg donors to spread their life-giving efforts over the next few weeks.

"The natural reaction is to want to come in and donate blood immediately," said Morris Dixon, executive director of United Blood Services, in a press release. UBS is the sole blood-provider for the Four Corners region.

"But I want to assure people that the need for blood in connection with these emerencies will be ongoing," Dixon said. "United Blood Services will need blood and platelet donors to come in over the next several days. If blood donations are constant and continuous, we will be in a better position to help New York and Washington if the call comes."

Randy Hubbs, community-relations representative for UBS, agreed. "It is extremely important that blood donations be stretched out over the next two to three weeks," he said in a press release. "We are asking donors in the various counties to contact us for the next blood drive in their area."

Almost as soon as the news of the attack on the World Trade Center broke Tuesday morning, volunteers lined up at United Blood Services to show their support for the victims by donating blood. While communications with the East Coast were difficult Wednesday, the first word from the New York Blood Center was that it is assessing the local blood supply and the need, according to Dixon.

"We have not yet been called to provide blood, but fully expect that call to come in the next day or two," he said.

In Montezuma County, the next blood drives are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 17 - 2 to 4 p.m., Valley Inn Nursing Home, 211 Third Ave., Mancos. Call 533-7578 or 533-9031 for an appointment.

• Wednesday, Sept. 19 - 2 to 6:30 p.m., Comfort Inn for United Way in Cortez, 2321 E. Main. Call Wal-Mart for an appointment at 565-6138, ext. 190.

• Tuesday, Sept. 25 - 2 to 6 p.m., Cortez Fire Protection District, 12 N. Ash, Cortez. Contact Nancy for an appointment at 565-3157.

Donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. I.D. is required. Donors 17 years of age must have a parent present to sign a release.