MADISON — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs. Donors of all blood types — especially type O — and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now and, in the weeks, ahead to overcome this current shortage.

People across the country depend on the generosity of blood donors. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status — have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Upcoming donation opportunities for Green County include:

Monticello: 12 to 5 p.m. Oct 15 at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E. Lake Ave.

Monroe: 12 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at Monroe Bible Church, 2613 8th Ave.

Opportunities for Lafayette County include:

Darlington: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at American Legion, 1400 Keep St.

Blanchardville: 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at American Legion, 218 Mason St.