The American Red Cross is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors due to several thousand fewer donations during the last two months. The shortage is resulting in delays for those in need of urgent medical care.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.redcrossblood.org/ or call 1- 800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).

There is also a blood donor app available at www.redcrossblood.org/bloodapp. Users can schedule appointments, track total donations, earn rewards and invite others to join them on a lifesaving team.