Blood Emergency in Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region

The American Red Cross issued an emergency call for blood donations June 25. The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region, which encompasses Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, hopes to collect nearly 9,000 units of red blood cells over the next two weeks.

The Red Cross has received 50,000 fewer donations in June than expected.

"Blood must be available at a moment’s notice when seconds count to help save or sustain a life. We have reached an emergency situation and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of volunteer blood donors,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications for the American Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Division in a prepared statement.

The Red Cross said the current shortage may be atributed to the earlier warm weather, which has people changing their routines and starting summer activities sooner.

To meet the demand, the Red Cross will hold emergency blood drives and extended hours at blood donation centers.

To find the nearest blood donation center to your home or office, the Red Cross offers a Zip Code search on its website.

Here are a few Red Cross donation sites closest to Georgetown:

Washington D.C. American Red Cross E Street Donor Center, 2025 E St. NW

• June 28 1 to 7 p.m.
• June 29 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Shops at Wisconsin Place 4412 Willard Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815

• June 29 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. "All presenting donors will receive a free appetizer card from Capital Grille and PF Chang's."

U.S. House of Representatives South Capitol & Independence Ave, SE

• July 13 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can also donate directly to at an upcoming blood drive July 10 at the Arlington Plaza location (2000 15th St., N Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22201). Schedule an appointment here.