Times Observer file photo by Brian Ferry Chloee Whyte of Warren gives blood for the first time during a 2019 Community Blood Bank drive at the Holy Redeemer Center in Warren.

The need for blood is high.

Summertime donations are generally low and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to even lower supply.

“The Community Blood Bank is urging residents to donate blood at one of the upcoming blood drives in the area to help restore the blood supply to adequate levels,” Community Relations Specialist Jaclyn Seymour said in a release. “The CBB is facing a critical blood shortage.”

Typically, summer donations are 20 percent lower than those during the rest of the year, Seymour said. And, COVID-19 has resulted in about 35 percent of drives being canceled over the last several months.

The drives that are held are under social distancing restrictions for appointments and equipment, leading to even fewer donors.

“The time to donate blood is now,” Seymour said. “Blood donors are needed now more than ever to help a patient in need in local hospitals. This is a matter of public safety. There is no substitute for blood.”

There are two drives scheduled in Warren County over the next two weeks. The first will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Darling’s Home Care, 220 Liberty St., Warren. The second will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Holy Redeemer Center

“Appointments are still available, and it is imperative we fill each appointment each appointment slot to help return the blood inventory to adequate levels,” she said. Appointments may be made by calling Drive Coordinator Shari Jerman at (814) 688-3696.