The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels. Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors as well as platelet donors. For those who don’t know their blood type, the Red Cross will notify new donors of their blood type soon after they give. The Red Cross needs donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming local New Hampshire donation sites and times: Lisbon, August 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., New England Wire, 130 North Main Street; Woodsville, August 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cottage Hospital, 90 Swiftwater Road; Groveton, August 29, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., American Legion, Route 3, 206 State Street; Colebrook, August 31, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, 181 Corliss Lane.