Blood drives coming up in Orleans County

NEWPORT — The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood this summer for hospital patients in need.

Blood drives are being held at the following dates and locations:

Derby, on Tuesday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Newport Elks Club, 3736 Route 5.

Barton, on Monday, July 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Barton United Church, 15 Church Street.

Potential donors don’t need to wait for a blood drive. You can schedule a donation by visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling (800) 733-2767 to make an appointment.

Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors is needed to maintain a sufficient blood supply.

New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held, and where new donors give, are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations.