MARSHALL — The American Red Cross is urging Minnesotans to donate blood this summer to help address a blood shortage.

A variety of factors, including increased need for blood at hospitals across the country, have added up to the shortage, Red Cross spokespeople said this week.

“With the added demand, we are in dire straits,” said Sue Thesenga, regional communications manager for the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region.

There will be opportunities to donate blood coming up in Lyon and Pipestone counties next week, as well as in other area communities over the next few weeks.

“Typically in the summer months, we already see a decline in blood donations,” as people travel more and are busy with other activities, Thesenga said.

However, as hospitals return to offering elective surgeries and other procedures that were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said there’s a greater need for blood than usual. The Red Cross said it has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected blood products than expected over the past three months to help meet those needs.

Hospitals are also seeing a higher number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as organ transplants. The Red Cross said demand from trauma centers has risen 10% this year compared to 2019.

Thesenga said it’s also important to remember that blood is perishable, and it takes a steady supply to meet medical needs.

“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Phil Hansen, regional executive of Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”

The Red Cross said it is looking for donors of all blood types, especially type O and donors giving platelets. In most cases, people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate blood, but knowing the manufacturer of the vaccine they received will be important for determining donation eligibility.

There are blood drives planned next week in Marshall, Cottonwood, Minneota and Ruthton. However, Thesenga said the best way to stay up to date on local blood drives is by going to www.redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or downloading the Red Cross blood donor app on your phone.

Upcoming blood drives

• June 21: Marshall-Lyon County Library from 2-7 p.m.

• June 22: Cottonwood Community Building from 12:30-6:30 p.m.

• June 23: Minneota American Legion from 1-7 p.m.

• June 24: Ruthton Community Center from 12:30-6:30 p.m.