The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets, urging all eligible donors to give now to replenish a low summer blood supply. Blood donations have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months.

“Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment, Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region.

There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive July 21 from noon to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Russellville, 213 North Jackson Ave.