While thousands of people from across the country responded to the emergency request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, a critical blood shortage remains. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.

At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.

“The Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives,” said Neil Tosuntikool, donor recruitment director of the Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for those who have already stepped up this summer to give and want to remind those who are eligible that hospital patients are still counting on them to roll up a sleeve.”

All blood types urgently needed. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood or platelets between July 25 and Aug. 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Kirkland  – Wednesday, Aug. 3, noon – 5 p.m., Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd St.

Seattle –  Wednesday, Aug. 3, Walgreens, 2400 S. Jackson St.

Silverdale – Monday, Aug. 8, 2-7 p.m., Kitsap Mall, 10315 Silverdale Way NW

Centralia –  Thursday, Aug. 4, 1-6 p.m., Moose Lodge 1109, 1400 Grand Ave.

Toledo –  Friday, July 29, 1-5:30 p.m., Toledo Presbyterian Church, Corner of 4th and Augustus

Fife – Tuesday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., JL Darling LLC, 2614 Pacific Hwy E

Everett – Thursday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Providence Mill Creek Clinic, 12800 Bothell Everett Highway

Olympia – Friday, Aug. 12, 1-6:30 p.m., Capital Mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd.

Rochester –  Monday, Aug. 1, 1-6 p.m., Lucky Eagle Casino, 12888 188th Ave. SW

–  American Red Cross