POTSDAM – The American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donors of all types due to a critical blood shortage across the nation.

Blood drives are scheduled in coming weeks in Lawrenceville, Potsdam, Ogdensburg, Gouverneur and Canton.

In May and June, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has seen in this timeframe in over a dozen years, while demand for blood products remained steady.

Because of that, the Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.

Those who are eligible can give to give two donations at once.

The Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Saturday, July 30 at the Lawrenceville Fire Department, 1081 County Route 54 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in honor of Megan Hogan. She is the recipient of multiple blood products throughout the year. Call Tina Pickering or Megan Hogan at 296-3703 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Other upcoming blood drive locations, dates and times in St. Lawrence County include:

• Tuesday, Aug. 2, Potsdam Presbyterian Church, 42 Elm St., 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Aug. 2, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, 2214 King St., Ogdensburg, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Monday, Aug. 8, Unitarian Universalist Church, 3 ½ East Main St., Canton, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Tuesday, Aug. 16, Gouverneur Veterans of Foreign Wars, 100 W. Main St., 12:30– 5:30 p.m.

For more information on donating blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org.