Want to help the American Red Cross overcome a potential blood shortage?

The Freeborn and Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross will host two upcoming blood drives at St. Edward’s Catholic Church and the Mower County Red Cross location in Austin.

The Red Cross will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at the Red Cross building in Austin. Another blood drive will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 30 at St. Edward’s in Austin.

Whether someone is among the 39 percent of the U.S. population with type O positive blood or the 2 percent with B negative, the American Red Cross is looking for eligible donors of all types to give blood this summer to help avert a shortage.

Those with O negative, A negative and B negative are especially urged to donate, as their blood types are often in high demand because they can potentially be transfused to both Rh negative and positive patients. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.

To donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.