For the first time in eight years, the American Red Cross in Southern California has issued an emergency call for blood and platelets. Eligible donors are urged to donate blood to replenish the extremely low summer blood supply.

The Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Friday, July 22 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Hollywood City Hall building, 6501 Fountain Ave. The blood drive is being held in conjunction with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division.

Blood donations at the Red Cross in Southern California, and across the country, have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in approximately 39,000 fewer donations nationwide than needed nationwide.

The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day blood supply available at all times, but currently, the supply has dropped below that amount.

“Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which is why we are making this emergency request for donations,” said Dr. Ross Herron, chief medical officer for the Red Cross’ West Blood Services Division. “Donations are urgently needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. If you’ve thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It’s the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs.”

To schedule an appointment to donate, call (800)RED CROSS, or visit www.redcrossblood.org.