LYNN — The American Red Cross is asking people to roll up their sleeves and give during the Greater Lynn Community Blood Drive.
The drive will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the offices of Wayne Alarm Systems at 424 Essex St.
The Red Cross announced last month that there had been a shortfall in the amount of blood donated this year. Nationally, the organization has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed during the summer months. Blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in.
The Massachusetts Red Cross is urging donations of all blood types, especially type B negative or O negative, and platelet donors to prevent a shortage.
Wayne Alarm Systems is sponsoring next week’s drive in Lynn. The company, with offices in Lynn and Nantucket, is encouraging “everyone to participate in this selfless act of donating blood,” according to its Facebook post.
Each registrant will be entered into a raffle to win a prize. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: lynncommunity.