The American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for blood.
The Red Cross says it has received 39,000 fewer donations that what is needed in the past few months.
Due to the high amount of Fourth of July vacations, almost 650 fewer blood drives are scheduled this week than an average week, according to the American Red Cross.
Communications Manager of the New York-Penn Blood Services Region Patty Corvaia says blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
"If you've thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it," said Corvaia. "It's the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs."
The emergency issue is asking for blood and platelet donations to help with the extremely low blood supply.
To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
