The American Red Cross has an emergency need for blood donors of all blood types. For those wishing to help, a blood drive will take place from noon until 6 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church, located at 315 Kerens Ave. in Elkins.
In June, donations are down more than 10 percent across the country, with 50,000 fewer pints of blood than expected. With donations anticipated to drop further with the upcoming Independence Day holiday, the need for donors is paramount.
Red Cross officials said a top reason cited by people about why they don't give blood is because they weren't asked.
Blood and platelets are needed for all types of patients, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies - when there are complications during childbirth - and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
