Red Cross urges people to donate blood and platelets going into summer months

The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood and platelets going into the Summer months.

The organization says this ensures blood is readily available for patients all summer long.

It also says activities during and after Memorial Day can lead to a shortage of blood and platelet donations when regular donors become busy.

Here’s a list of places you can go to donate blood and platelets Tuesday:

-From 7 am to 2 pm at the Columbia Blood Donation Center at 1511 South Providence in Columbia.

-From 8 am to 1 pm at Missouri Employers Mutual at 101 North Keene in Columbia.

-From 7 am to 2 pm at the Jefferson City Blood Donation Center at 3230 Emerald Lane.