The American Red Cross says it continues to experience an emergency blood and platelet shortage that has caused the blood supply to drop to the lowest post-summer level in at least six years. American Red Cross Wisconsin chapter spokeswoman Laura McGuire says blood donor turnout decreased by about 10 percent as summer came to an end. McGuire says while donations have dropped, hospital demand for blood remains strong. McGuire says donors of all blood types, especially type O and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now to help meet the needs of patients this fall. In Fond du Lac blood drives will be held Monday at the public library and Tuesday at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Blood drives will also be held Tuesday in Mt. Calvary and Ripon.
