(Photo by American Red Cross)

Summer is a challenging time of year to collect blood and platelet donations, yet the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. 

Overall blood donations in the Red Cross Wisconsin-Iowa region have been approximately 1,622 fewer per month in June and July 2015 than the previous 10 months of the year. The demand for the most-needed types is beginning to outpace donations. Can you help?

Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type. Types B negative and A negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

Summer blood shortages are not uncommon, but they can be prevented when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves. Red Cross is asking people who haven’t donated and those who are eligible again to make an appointment to give now to help ensure life-saving blood products are available for patients.

Platelets and type AB plasma also needed

Platelets – a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, surgical patients and bone marrow recipients – must be transfused within five days of donation, so donations are constantly needed.

Donors with type AB blood are urged to give blood or platelets to restock the plasma supply. Type AB blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

Individuals who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again and help patients like an expectant mother at a Red Cross-supported hospital who is currently receiving nearly 100 units of blood products a week until she delivers her baby. Her need alone could add up to 1,100 units.

Where to donate in Milwaukee

Below are upcoming opportunities to donate blood.

Tuesday, 8/25

1 p.m.-6 p.m., UWM Student Union, 2200 Kenwood Blvd.

Friday, 8/28

10 a.m.-3 p.m., American Red Cross, 2600 W. Wisconsin Ave.

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Brookfield Central High School, 16900 Gebhardt Rd.

Monday, 8/31

1 p.m.-6 p.m., Blast Fitness, 1300 N. 7^th St.

Wednesday, 9/2

12:30-5:30 p.m., Milwaukee Academy of Science, 2000 Kilbourn Ave.

9 a.m.-1 p.m., Two Park Plaza, 10850 W. Park Place

Donors can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment. 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, 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.