The American Red Cross is holding blood drives throughout southeast Minnesota to help replenish supplies.

While thousands of blood donors have answered the call, more donors are needed now to help ensure patients don’t have to wait for blood products. During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs.

The Red Cross is thanking all those who come to donate July 1-6 with an exclusive Red Cross Missing Types T-shirt, while supplies last.

All blood types are needed.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The American Red Cross will be holding blood drives in Austin at the following dates and locations:

• June 26 – noon to 6 p.m. at the Spam Museum, 101 Third Ave. NE

• July 8 – 1-5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 1701 Fourth St. NW

• July 9 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 1701 4th St. NW