The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region has issued an urgent call for blood donors.

The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.

There is a critical need for blood donors now, said Joyce H. Brendel, chief executive officer for the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our communitys hospitals and the patients they serve.

Meeting this need is particularly challenging since the extremely high temperatures have been keeping donors inside, most schools have not been in session to hold blood drives and the Red Cross is experiencing a high number of donors who are unable to keep their appointments. In the Carolinas region, the Red Cross has seen approximately 13 percent fewer donors than expected.

Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative. Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. Thats because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.

Every day, more than 39,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in the United States. Blood is used for the treatment of cancer patients, people with blood disorders, premature babies, transplant recipients, trauma victims and more. Each whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.

We urge people to make and keep an appointment to donate blood now, said Brendel. Chances are, someone is counting on you right now for their very life.

On Monday, September 13, the Polk Community Blood Drive will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located on Melrose Avenue in Tryon, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Call 828-894-2700 for further information or to schedule your appointment. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

On Friday, September 24, the Polk County Middle School Blood Drive will be held at 321 Wolverine Trail in Mill Spring. The blood drive will be held from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Call 828-894-2700 for further information or to schedule your appointment. All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

To schedule an appointment to donate call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.