The American Red Cross, Missouri/Illinois Regional Blood Services, is asking donors to give blood.

Area residents can help by giving blood today from 8 a.m.-noon at the St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton.

For every 100 units of blood scheduled during the month of March, only 89 units were collected. Unfortunately, this trend is continuing in June. By giving blood, donors will help keep hospital blood supplies constant and avert a potential blood shortage.

"All donors are encouraged to give, but type O and type B donors are especially needed right now," said Neil Bassett of the Red Cross. A successful blood drive will make a difference for area hospital patients by helping to make sure blood is available when needed.

The Red Cross is especially in need of type O blood. Since type O is the most common blood type, it is in constant demand.