MADISON — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases; organ transplants and elective surgeries rise — and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types — especially type O and those giving platelets — are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As more than a third of Americans have become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Red Cross is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for blood, platelet and plasma donations. Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination.

The Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease.

Blood donation opportunities for Green County include:

●  Monticello from 12 to 5 p.m. June 25 at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E. Lake Ave.

●  Brodhead from 12 to 5 p.m. July 6 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 405 9th Ave.

●  New Glarus from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10 at New Glarus Area EMS, 401 3rd St.

Blood donation opportunities for Lafayette County include:

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

●  Argyle 1 to 6 p.m. June 23 at Corner Stone Lutheran Church, 1540 Old WI 81