The American Red Cross urges eligible blood donors to roll up a sleeve and give to help prevent a summer blood shortage. The Red Cross is seeing fewer appointments at its blood donation centers and blood drives this summer than what is needed to ensure blood and platelets continue to be available for patients.

During the summer months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors make an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. Today (Tuesday), the American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in Elk Horn.

The drive takes place from 11:30am-5:30pm at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church. If you are able, make sure you donate blood today because you never know whose life you may save tomorrow. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.