WISCONSIN — The American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up this June to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time and help ensure loved ones have the strength and support they need as they undergo cancer treatment.

Red Cross is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors give as the nation begins to climb out of this pandemic. This downturn comes at a time when the Red Cross continues to see strong demand for blood products including platelets by hospitals, causing concern for the sufficiency of the blood supply this month and throughout the summer.

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies through July 24. The Red Cross is also screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

The Red Cross has updated its pandemic safety protocols in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Blood donation opportunities for Green County include:

Monroe — 12 to 6 p.m. June 17 at Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave.

Monticello — 12 to 5 p.m. June 25 at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 East Lake Ave.

Blood donation opportunities for Lafayette County include:

Argyle — 1 to 6 p.m. June 23 at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 1540 Old WI 81.

Blanchardville — 1 to 6 p.m. June 21 at American Legion, 218 Mason.