Blood donations are “less than sufficient,” according to the American Red Cross, and the recent heat wave may be a contributing factor. The Red Cross says blood donations have been declining all summer and all blood types are needed to ensure supplies don’t drop to emergency levels. Extreme heat throughout the region may be contributing to the drop in donations because donors with elevated temperatures are temporarily suspended from donating for health reasons.

Approximately every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. People who are at least 17 years old and 110 pounds may be eligible to donate. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.