Red Cross urgently needs blood donors

VW independent/submitted information

The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.

Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease though — every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets.

In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.

To encourage more people to donate around Independence Day, all those who come out to donate blood from July 1-5 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross lunch cooler, while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed now. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800.733.2767.

Upcoming area blood drives:

Van Wert

• Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St.

Convoy

• Wednesday, July 6, from 2- 6 p.m. — Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6727 Ohio 49

Delphos

• Thursday, July 14, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Eagles Delphos, 1600 E. Fifth St.