The American Red Cross in Kansas has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors of all types. Unseasonably early warm weather may be a contributing factor to the 50,000 donation shortfall in June as many regular donors got an early start on summer activities, and aren’t taking time to give blood or platelets.

The inventory of blood supplies is only about half the level it was at this time last year. But the need remains constant. In fact, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood.