The New York-Pennsylvania division of the American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types due to the lack of donations in June and early July.

The Red Cross urgently needs donations to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients all summer long. The Red Cross needs about 1,200 donors per day.

There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets, a clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, must be transfused within five days of donation.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, or 16 with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

Fewer donations have been received than the Red Cross was expecting. “We are counting on generous volunteer blood and platelet donors to step up and give now,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications at the American Red Cross Blood Services’ northeast division. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Each day donations come up short, less blood is available for these patients in need.”

Nationwide, donations through the Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. The Red Cross experienced a similar shortfall last June.

June can be among the most challenging months of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they adjust to summer schedules, and student donors are less likely to donate during the summer break. The mid-week Independence Day holiday reduced the number of blood drives scheduled in early July.

To make a donation appointment call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.