Donating money is not the only way to save lives. In fact, you could save up to three lives without spending a cent. The American Red Cross is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors of all blood types.

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Nationwide, donations through the Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June. The Red Cross urgently needs donations to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients all summer long. There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets, a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, must be transfused within five days of donation so it’s important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand.

Upcoming blood drives include the following dates and locations:

• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at North Webster Church of God in the Fellowship Hall, located at 302 N. Main St. in North Webster. 
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Milford Community Building in the Main Room, located at 111 S. Main St. in Milford. This blood drive is sponsored by The Papers, Inc. 
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Par-Kan, located at 2915 West 900 South in Silver Lake.

Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) to schedule an appointment at an upcoming blood drive.