The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make appointments now to give blood or platelets and help prevent a summer shortage.
The call for donations is supported by a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showing that more than 40 percent plan to travel the week before or after Independence Day, an indicator that many eligible donors may be unavailable to give. In addition, fewer blood drives are scheduled during this time.
Details: redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).