The American Red Cross has scheduled several blood drives in July in Elk County.

During the summer, especially around holidays like Independence Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in July:

• Kersey, 2 to 6:30 p.m. July 9, Fox Township Senior Center, 365 Main St.

• Ridgway, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 12, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.

• St. Marys, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.

• Weedville, 1 to 5 p.m. July 11, Weedville Wesleyan Church, 18945 Bennetts Valley Highway

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.