The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.

Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations. Accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break – patients need blood every minute, every day.

In the summer of 1973, Ramona Johnson was playing at the park when she was injured jumping off the swings. She was bleeding profusely from a 7-inch gash in her leg. By the time she reached the hospital, she needed an emergency transfusion. She credits the donors who took the time to give blood with helping to save her life.

Johnson’s childhood experience receiving blood compelled her to make her first blood donation more than 10 years ago. “A little voice told me that this would be a great way to give back,” she said. “I have been faithfully donating every eight weeks since.”

The public is asked to schedule an appointment to help ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through June 10, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) Additionally, those who come to give May 25-29, will receive an exclusive Red Cross branded T-shirt, while supplies last, according to organizers.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 21 to June 15:

• May 21: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Evangelical Mennonite Church, 425 Nursery St., Lawton

• May 23: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Caretel Inns of Lakeland, 3905 Lorraine Path, St. Joseph

• May 23: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Covert Twp Fire Department, 33805 M-140, Covert

• May 25: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Federated Church, 65418 Red Arrow Hwy., Hartford

• May 25: Noon to 5:45 p.m., ACTION Center, 301 Main St., Dowagiac

• June 1:  Noon. to 5:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Fourth St., Niles

• June 12: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Bloomingdale Telephone Company, 101 West Kalamazoo, Bloomingdale

• June 12: Noon to 5:45 p.m., St Basil Catholic Church, 513 Monroe Blvd., South Haven

South Haven

June 13: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Paw Paw Lions Club, 227 County Road 665, Paw Paw

June 15: Noon to 5:45 p.m., St. John Bosco Parish, 23830 Front Ave., Mattawan

To donate blood:

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families, according to officials. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.