With more than 40 percent of blood donors unavailable at this time of year, the American Red Cross Northern New York chapter is urging people in St. Lawrence County to donate blood now.

According to the Red Cross, blood and platelet donations are needed to make up for expected shortfall due to Fourth of July holiday travel, when more than 40 percent of regular donors may be traveling and unavailable to give.

In addition, fewer blood drives are scheduled the week before and after Independence Day, because many hosting organizations postpone blood drives while people are on vacation. To make an appointment outside of the blood clinic schedule, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

There are a couple of blood clinics scheduled, one in Potsdam from 12:30 until 5:30 p.m. July 14 at the Presbyterian Church, 42 Elm St., and one in Gouverneur from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 17 at the Gouverneur Hospital Education Center.

Participants must be of good health, at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. If the participant is 16 years old, parental permission is required. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Walk-ins are welcome at the Gouverneur drive. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Bonnie Porter at 535-9309 or bporter@gvnrhospital.org or register on line at http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-v6.

Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to schedule an appointment.