COURTLAND
The American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for blood and platelet donations to help replenish an extremely low blood supply, according to spokesperson Bernadette Jay.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations have fallen short in the past few months, resulting in a dearth of 39,000 fewer donations. The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites in the coming days and weeks.

All eligible donors are urged to give blood as soon as possible.

Blood drives are scheduled in and around the Western Tidewater region, with locations including the Union Baptist Church in Ahoskie, N.C., on Friday, July 8, from 1 to 5 p.m.

In Smithfield, donors can give on Thursday, July 21, from 12 p.m. from 6 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church.

In Suffolk, donors have the opportunity to give at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 6, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; the Beech Grove United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 12, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; New Vision Ministries and Teen Church on Monday, July 13, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and at the Walgreens on Bridge Road on Sunday, July 19, from 3:15 to 6:15 p.m.

In Chesapeake the following blood drives are scheduled: Great Bridge United Methodist Church, on Thursday, July 7, from 3 to 7 p.m.; Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, on Friday, July 8, from 2 to 7 p.m.; Community Church at Western Branch, on Friday, July 8, from 2 to 7 p.m.; Greenbrier Mall on Tuesday, July 12, from 1 to 6 p.m.; Chesapeake Square Mall on Saturday, July 16, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Centerville Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 19, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and the Real Life Christian Church on Sunday, July 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.