The American Red Cross is facing an emergency need for blood and platelets after a significant shortfall in donations during the Fourth of July holiday week and ongoing challenges to find new donors.

More than 450 fewer blood drives were held the week of July Fourth than during an average week, which led to about 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed for patients. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types available – and less than a two-day supply of type O blood. Blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are needed to replenish the blood supply.

Account Manager II, Kristi Ingalls, of the Red Cross said there will be a blood drive in Junction City on Tuesday, July 23rd from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Wednesday, July 24th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Building.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS ( 733-2767 ) or go to www.redcrossblood.org or https://www.redcrossblood.org for an appointment. Walk-in donors are accepted.