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The American Red Cross is encouraging blood donations as we near the July 4th holiday.

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The American Red Cross says it has seen a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks. In a news release they say the shortfall, coupled with the upcoming holiday, could put a further strain on donations. This, as people celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities. Officials say all blood types are needed, especially B negative and O negative.

The American Red Cross says it wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals in Michigan and across the country.

Those who give blood, platelets or plasma, as well as people who have not given in a while and people wishing to donate for the first time, they say can help ensure patients who rely on blood donations are able to enjoy their summer.

To become a blood donor, you can make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call them, at 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-733-2767 or you can go to their website at RedCrossBlood.org.

Jennifer is an award winning broadcast news journalist with more than two decades of professional television news experience including the nation's fifth largest news market. She's worked as both news reporter and news anchor for television and radio in markets from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo all the way to San Francisco, California.
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