ATLANTA - The American Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood as soon as possible. The current blood supply has dropped critically low throughout the Southeast. Donors of all blood types are welcome, but there is an urgent need for type O negative, B negative and A negative blood donors.

In the summer, blood shortages often occur because individual donations decrease, along with the number of organizations that are able to sponsor blood drives. The absence of high school and college blood drives also contributes to the annual drop in donations because these drives account for approximately 20 percent of all donations.

Eligible blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors with type O (positive and negative), B negative and A negative blood should consider an automated red cell donation, a process in which only red cells are donated.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1 (800) GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.