The American Red Cross is asking local residents to donate blood as an emergency shortage continues across the region and the nation.

The organization said the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Donations have declined since the end of May while hospital demand has increased.

Red Cross distributions to hospitals are currently running nearly 3,500 units higher each week than expected. Officials said summer trauma cases, vacations, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives have contributed to the shortage.

The need is especially critical for platelets, Type O-positive and Type B-negative blood, although donors of all blood types are encouraged to make appointments.

A Maria Stein Community Blood Drive will be held Monday, July 20, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Knights of St. John Hall, located at 8608 State Route 119.

All presenting donors will receive a token redeemable for 1 pound of Winner’s Whole Hog Sausage, courtesy of Winner’s Meat Market.

Appointments may be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code KNOSTJ or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Additional blood drives are scheduled July 22 from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Grand Lake United Methodist Church in Celina and July 24 from noon until 5 p.m. at New Horizons Community Church.

Donors at the New Horizons drive will receive a free small ice cream cone from Willshire Drive-In.