The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help prevent a blood shortage.

Blood donations often decline in August as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. On average, during the summer months, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what is needed.

Donations are needed now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. Donors with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to donate. Plasma from type AB donors can be transfused to patients of any blood type, as can type O negative blood. Type B negative and A negative blood can be transfused to Rh-positive or negative patients. These are the most in demand blood types and are in constant need.

Donation opportunities are available from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea; from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea; from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Aug. 22 at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea; and from 1 to 7 p.m Aug. 26 at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.