The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets, urging all eligible donors with all blood types to give now to replenish an extremely low summer supply.

“Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations than what’s needed,” the Red Cross said in a press release. The Red Cross has experienced a significant drawdown in its supply of blood. 

“Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks,” the Red Cross said. “If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it.”

To schedule an appointment to donate, download and use the free blood donor app on your Smartphone, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767. The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites to allow for more donors to make appointments. The organization is encouraging donors to fill out its online RapidPass health history questionnaire at www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to avoid longer wait times.