The American Red Cross is desperately in need of donations.
The non-profit organization issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations on Tuesday in response to a 10 percent decline in June.
Last month, the Red Cross fell short of its expected donation goal by about 50,000 donors, according to organization officials.
Five locations in Connecticut are collecting donations today. Donors need a driver’s license, blood donor’s card or two other forms of identification. Donors must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds. All blood types are in demand.
Local blood drives are taking place at the following locations:
- Hartford Square North, CP Management on 10 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
- Bolton High School on 72 Brandy St. in Bolton, 1:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Bridgeport Hospital on 267 Grant Street in Bridgeport, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Canton Community Center on 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton, 1:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Kent Town Hall on 41 Kent Green Blvd. in Kent, 1:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
A similar shortage occurred last summer, according to the Red Cross.
High school and college blood drives amount to approximately 20 percent of Red Cross donations during the school year. Donations from this demographic drop by about 80 percent each summer once vacation begins.
The American Red Cross also attributes the shortage to Independence Day, as many businesses have been unable to host drives due to extended vacations.
The Red Cross is calling for approximately 600 donors each day to make up for the loss.
"Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood," said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications for the Red Cross Northeast Blood Services Division. "Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need."
Those interested in donating also can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.
Photo Credit: NBC 5 News