RANGELEY – The American Red Cross is asking all eligible blood donors in the Rangeley area to give blood from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, when the bloodmobile comes to the Rangeley Church of the Good Shepherd on Main Street. Donors are asked to bring a buddy to donate blood, too.

The United States is experiencing a critical blood shortage this summer and many American Red Cross blood service regions have gone on local appeals. At present, the New England Region has about a one-day supply of most blood types.

According to Thomas Miller, donor recruitment representative, “Only five out of every 100 people give blood, and the number of new donors decreased last year. First-time donors are urgently needed to replace donors who have moved away or become ineligible to donate.”

Most people can give blood through the American Red Cross. Potential volunteer donors must be at least 17 years of age, in good health and weigh more than 110 pounds. In most cases, donors may give if they are on medication, but should know the names of those medications.

More information may be obtained by calling Pilar Bates at 864-5966 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-482-0743.