Photo: Blood drive in Belmont Monday, June 8.

With the American Red Cross making an urgent call for blood and platelet donors just as the high demand summer months begin, the Town of Belmont is holding a Blood Drive on Monday, June 8, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Morrissey Room of the Belmont Public Library.

Sign up to register: https:/ /www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=belmonthspl

Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges, according to the Red Cross. Scheduled donations, which account for 90 percent of all blood donations, have dropped sharply nationwide in recent weeks craising concerns that the decline could worsen as the country and New England enter trauma season.

This period between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings an increase in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports-related injuries and other summer activities. A single person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood.

“Every minute matters. For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11 percent for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical.” said Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross.