The American Red Cross is facing a looming shortage of the blood types most needed by patients and is calling on eligible donors with O negative, B negative and A negative blood to give now to prevent an emergency situation. Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitingredcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Overall blood donations in the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region have been about 1,734 fewer per month in June and July this year than the previous 10 months of the year. When demand for the most needed types begins to outpace donations, the Red Cross alerts donors to help restock the shelves.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. Eligible donors are encouraged to donate double red cells — a process where two units of red cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor — where available.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Austin

Aug. 10 : 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., National Guard Armory, 800 21st St. NE

Aug. 11: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 800 21st St. NE

Aug. 12: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 800 21st St. NE

Brownsdale

Aug. 17: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church, 411 West Main St.

Le Roy

Aug. 18: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Community Center, 204 W. Main St.

Blooming Prairie

Aug. 28: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., City Center, 138 Highway S.