The American Red Cross has issued a plea for blood donors after donations lagged during the Fourth of July holiday week.

According to the organization, blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More than 550 fewer blood drives last week could result in as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed nationwide.

The Red Cross states someone in the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds.

The need is especially critical for type O blood donors. The organization states type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

The Red Cross states one donation can potentially save up to three lives.

We encourage you to take advantage of opportunities that arise to donate blood if you are healthy and able. There are usually several blood drives in Freeborn County each month.

According to the Red Cross, the following are the remaining blood drives this month:

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Ramada, 2301 E. Main St.

• 1 to 7 p.m. Monday, United Methodist Church, 702 S. U.S. Highway 69

• 1 to 7 p.m. July 26, Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 S. Washington Ave.

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27: Mayo Clinic Health Sytsem in Albert Lea, 404 Fountain St.

Other opportunities are available in Steele, Waseca and Mower counties.

Make a difference.