Donations of blood and platelets to the American Red Cross have dropped by about eight percent in the past three months. The shortfall is estimated at approximately 80,000 fewer donations than anticipated. Worse, the donation numbers continue to decline, and an emergency shortage of blood for transfusions is feared. The shortage prompted the Red Cross to issue an urgent statement and call for donors on Tuesday.

This year, the Independence Day holiday fell on a Friday, resulting in fewer blood drives scheduled for early July. The number of people taking vacations over the long weekend, as well as the short week prior and the week following, translated into sponsors hosting fewer drives. The Red Cross typically expects around 4,400 blood drives during this period, but this year there were only 3,450.

The agency desperately needs blood donations from eligible donors of all blood types. The donated blood will help ward off a feared emergency shortage. Eligibility typically means anyone age 17 or older in reasonably good health who weighs at least 110 pounds. Potential donors aged 18 or younger may donate with additional, youth-specific height and weight minimums. Any eligible donor may safely donate blood every 56 days, according to the Red Cross.

Individuals with blood types O negative, B negative, and A negative are especially encouraged to donate as soon as possible. Type O negative is the universal blood type and may be given to any patient in need of a blood transfusion.

Donated blood is important for not only victims of traumatic injury but also for patients of major surgical procedures and pregnant women delivering infants.  Donated platelets are also in short supply and urgently needed.