PARKERSBURG – The American Red Cross on Monday issued an urgent need for donors of all blood types.

Scheduled donations, which account for 90% of all blood donations, have sharply dropped in recent weeks, Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio Valley, said.

“As a result, the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week, raising concerns that the decline could worsen as we enter trauma season,” she said. “This period between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings an increase in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports-related injuries and other summer activities.”

AAA reports that fatal crashes involving teen drivers rise by 30% during this time, often called the “100 deadliest days,” Kesselring said. A single person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood, she said.

As an incentive, donors who give through June 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus automatic entry for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards, she said. More details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

To schedule a blood donation appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, the Red Cross said.

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 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 and younger also have to meet height and weight requirements.

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

Another way to support the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Ambassadors greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

For more information and to apply for any volunteer position, go to redcross.org/volunteertoday.