The Mount Pleasant American Red Cross reports low participation in recent blood drives has weakened their already feeble blood supply.

“Our supply is very low,” said Dave Weston, American Red Cross community coordinator.

Every summer the Red Cross experiences a drop-off in blood donations because most people are busy on vacation and enjoying the weather – not thinking about donating blood, Weston said.

However, summertime is not immune to car accidents and hospital visits.

Usually the Red Cross has caught up to the summer blood deficit by this time, Weston said.

Nevertheless, the Red Cross reports blood donations were down 5 percent during the week of Labor Day.

“That amounts to over 130 blood donations, or enough blood to help save about 400 lives,” said Shawn Montry, director of donor recruitment of the Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “Not a day goes by that thousands of people in Michigan hospitals need blood for emergency or ongoing medical care.”

The Great Lakes Blood Services Region reports its blood supplies are just over one day’s supply, and the supply of Type O is very low. The Red Cross reports at least three days’ worth of blood is needed to be considered adequate for meeting emergency needs, and a five-day supply is considered optimal.

“We need to have everyone possible to come out and donate. Help us save lives,” Weston said.

Students will soon have their opportunity to contribute to the cause.

Weston said the next local Red Cross blood drive is noon to 5:45 p.m. Sept. 25 at St. Mary’s University Parish, 1405 S. Washington St.

The CMU vs. Western Michigan University blood challenge will take place from Oct. 13 to Oct. 23. The competition is to see which school can give the most blood.

“It’s a tradition at CMU,” Weston said. “This is not just a competition – we’re partnering with WMU to save lives.”

On average, 5 percent of a community’s population donates blood and 9.6 percent of the CMU community, including students and faculty, donates blood, Weston said.

Jessica Kloeckner, a Dansville freshman, helps out by donating her time.

“I volunteer at blood drives and help with the patients,” she said.

Bonnie Alger, a Conklin sophomore, donates plasma at BioLife Plasma Services, 4279 E. Bluegrass Road, twice a week, and has donated blood in the past.

“I know it’s really needed,” Alger said.

Donors must be 17 years old, over 110 pounds and in good health to be eligible to donate blood.

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E-mail the author: Nicole Burdiss