The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood during National Preparedness Month to help ensure a readily available supply for emergencies.

Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage.

A readily available blood supply is needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help trauma patients and others with serious medical needs. In fact, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. Blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed and made available for patients, so it is the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency.

Donations decline around summer holidays like Labor Day. To thank those who come out to give Sept. 1-6, the Red Cross is providing a branded T-shirt, while supplies last.

People may download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Upcoming blood drives:

Cass County

Saturday, Sept. 9

10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Dowagiac Church of Christ

58273 M-51, Dowagiac

Wednesday, Sept. 13

10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac

Berrien County

Friday, Sept. 8

11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

United Federal Credit Union

2807 S. State St., St. Joseph

Monday, Sept. 11

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Masonic Lodge 68

122 N. Oak St., Buchanan

Thursday, Sept. 14

11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

American Red Cross

3838 Niles Road, St. Joseph

Van Buren County

Wednesday, Sept. 6

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Covert Lions Community Center

78085 County Road 378 W., Covert

Thursday, Sept. 7

12:30 to 5:15 p.m.

Church of Christ

214 Walnut St., Bangor

Tuesday, Sept. 12

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Moose Lodge 697

1025 Wells St., South Haven

Thursday, Sept. 14

Noon to 5:45 p.m.

Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church

06321 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a nomprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow it on Twitter at @RedCross.