The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% after sharply declining in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need.

Thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

Red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff — have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 1-June 15:

• Johnsonburg, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 12, Johnsonburg Senior Center, 430 Center St.

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

• Eldred, 1 to 5:30 p.m. June 4, First Church of God, 142 Main St.

• Kane, noon to 6 p.m. June 1, First United Methodist Church, 112 Greeves St.

• Port Allegany, noon to 5 p.m. June 11, Port Allegany Alliance Church, 414 E. Mill St.

• Smethport, noon to 5:30 p.m. June 8, Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.

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.