June 25, 2020 3:25 a.m.

An urgent need for blood donations continues, according to the American Red Cross.

A release said summer is historically a season of fewer blood drives and lower donor turnout due to school breaks and travel. While this summer looks different, the dip in blood inventory remains as hospitals resume surgical procedures and blood drive cancellations continue as some community organizations remain closed or have limited appointments, according to the release.

Upcoming blood drives include:

*Friday June 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center on Garden Valley Boulevard.

*Monday June 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express on West Harvard

*Tuesday June 30th from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the South River Community Health Center on Main Street in Winston

*Wednesday July 1st from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday July 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center

Appointments are required. Go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 to get signed up.