(WXIA) -- The American Red Cross needs blood donations and has provided healthy metro Atlanta residents with several opportunities to give.

Inclement weather and widespread flu have prevented many usual donors from giving, according to Red Cross spokesperson Kristen Stancil. Several blood drives will be held throughout the area this month to make up the difference.

The Red Cross especially needs blood types O negative, A negative and B negative.

Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.

Here are some upcoming blood drives in Gwinnett County:

Monday, Feb. 16
Duluth Donor Center, 3090 Premiere Parkway, Suite 500, Duluth
11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 16
McConnell Middle School, 550 Ozora Road, Loganville
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ATLANTA -- Thousands of Georgia parents are buying sparklers for their children this Fourth of July, thinking they are a safe way to celebrate. But, as a Georgia eye expert warns, sparklers heat up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit -- hot enough to melt some metals -- and are the number one cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room.

Members of the Georgia Optometric Association are urging parents to leave all the fireworks to the professionals and avoid fireworks that may cause serious eye injuries when used inappropriately. Some of the most common fireworks injuries are eye abrasions, lacerations, contusions and foreign matter in the eye. The majority of these cases are related to the use of sparklers.

NEW YORK -- Panera says it will remove artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives from its food by 2016, a reflection of the growing distaste people are showing for such ingredients.

The chain of bakery cafes, which has about 1,800 U.S. locations, is making the pledge as part of a "Food Policy" it is unveiling Tuesday that outlines its commitment to "clean" and "simple" ingredients.

The announcement comes at a time when Panera Bread Co. is facing slowing sales growth and working to jumpstart its business.

It also underscores how positioning foods as natural has become a marketing advantage, regardless of whether it brings any nutritional benefits.