STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Got blood?

The American Red Cross needs it.

The Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood donors of all blood types to share theirs to help save lives.

Consequently, the American Red Cross and St. Luke’s Wood River Volunteer Core Board will host a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at the Church of Latter-day Saints on Sun Valley Road and Spruce Avenue in Ketchum.

Organizer Mary Williams said Wood River Valley residents are quick to respond to calls such as this. She added that a second blood drive will be scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Church of Latter-day Saints in Hailey.

Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant drawdown of Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting blood donations for more than four days.

Blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they’re coming in as regular donors vacation and busy themselves with summer activities.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “Ketchum.” Identification is required at the drive. For questions regarding eligibility, call 866-236-3276.

For more information, call Mary Williams at 208-721-1211.