The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give blood or platelets.

Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer, the Red Cross states in a news release.

As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give ─ an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross has experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks. In addition to many end-of-school year activities, travel and school breaks, June 1 marked the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season ─ a reminder that severe weather can also quickly disrupt the ability to donate in affected areas and potentially delay or cancel blood drives.

Take action today. To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, go to RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

As a thank-you for those who step up to give, all who donate through June 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Go to RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the region include —

Dickinson County

— Today, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Hope Church of Iron Mountain, 200 E. B St., Iron Mountain.

— June 24: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 395 Hamilton Ave., Kingsford.

— June 25: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Grace Methodist/Bethany Lutheran Church, 130 Odill Road, Norway.

— July 7: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kingsford Maranatha Assembly of God, 920 S. Carpenter Ave., Kingsford.

Menominee County

— Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bethel Lutheran Church, 1309 14th Ave., Menominee.

— June 23: Noon-5 p.m., Carney Evangelical Free Church, 52 Church St., Carney.

— July 7: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., American Legion Post 146, 818 First St., Menominee.

— July 8: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Powers Spalding Fire Hall, N15881 Pine St., Powers.