The American Red Cross has had to cancel blood drives in New York as a result of the weather, and the nonprofit organization this week put out a critical call for blood and platelet donations.

“Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August,” the Red Cross wrote in a news release. “Donors remain critically needed to support the Red Cross delivery of vital blood products, which are in demand around-the-clock as hospitals work to save lives this summer. When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply can quickly shrink.”

As an extra incentive, the Red Cross is offering a $20 Amazon gift card to those who donate in August. (See more details online at redcrossblood.org/help.)

There are a few blood drives coming up in the Tri-Lakes. We urge residents to consider donating blood. You may help save a life.

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Upcoming blood drives

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— Saranac Lake: Aug. 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St.

— Tupper Lake: Aug. 13, 1 to 6 p.m. at the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department fire station, 21 Santa Clara Ave.