The American Red Cross calls on eligible donors with all blood types to help maintain a sufficient blood supply this summer

The American Red Cross encourages all eligible blood donors to make an appointment to donate blood soon to help prevent a shortage.

During the summer months, on average, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what is needed to meet the needs of patients. Vacations and summer activities are among the reasons regular donors may not find the time to give. But, patients don’t get a vacation from needing blood – the need is constant.

As a national network, the Red Cross has a unique responsibility to help ensure blood is available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed. By donating blood or platelets through the Red Cross, donors may be helping patients in their community or patients across the nation.

Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Elkhart County

• Thursday, August 7 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 405 W Beardsley in Elkhart.
• Thursday, August 7 from 2:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 22045 C.R.18 in Goshen.
• Friday, August 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at IU Health Goshen Hospital, 200 W. High Park Avenue in Goshen.
• Friday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Greencroft Goshen, 1820 Greencroft Blvd. in Goshen.

Kosciusko County

• Saturday, August 2 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Pierceton Community Building, 105 W Walnut in Pierceton.
• Wednesday, August 6 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Kosciusko County Battle of the Badges at City Office/Post Office, 604 N Jefferson in Silver Lake.
• Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Kosciusko Community Hospital, 2101 Dubois Dr in Warsaw.
• Sunday, August 10 from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at New Life Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 744 S. 325 E in Warsaw.
• Tuesday, August 12 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Center Lake Pavilion, 117 Canal Street in Warsaw.
• Wednesday, August 13 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Wawasee Community Bible Church, 2035 E 1300 N in Milford.

Lagrange County

• Monday, August 4 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at LaGrange First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Spring Street in Lagrange.
• Tuesday, August 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at KZ-RV, 0985 N 900 W in Shipshewana.
• Saturday, August 9 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at South Milford Church of Christ, 8030 E 600 S in Wolcottville.
• Tuesday, August 12 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 100 E 50 N in Lagrange.

Marshall County

• Thursday, August 14 from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth.

St. Joseph County

• Monday, August 4 from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Probate Court, 1000 South Michigan Street in South Bend.
• Saturday, August 9 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Granite City, 6501 Grape Road in Mishawaka.
• Wednesday, August 13 from 11:45 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. at Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library, 51446 Elm Road in Granger.
• Wednesday, August 13 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at National College, 1030 E. Jefferson Blvd. in South Bend.

The Goshen Donor Center, located at 1123 S. Indiana Ave. in Goshen: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, noon – 6 p.m.; Thursday: closed;  Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To donate blood, simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.