The American Red Cross is actively searching for blood donors in the area to help combat the critical blood shortage this summer.

“Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply,” according to the Red Cross, as stated in their press release. “Thousands of children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year, and many will need blood products regularly during treatment.”

For the month of September, Sport Clips Haircuts will give donors a free haircut after donating blood between Sept. 1 and 30.

“The Red Cross and Sport Clips share a commitment to helping kids kick cancer, and we are thrilled to partner in September for the Saving Lives Never Looked So Good campaign to help bring attention to this important topic,” Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services said. “We are grateful to Sport Clips for their continued support of the Red Cross and for thanking the generous blood and platelet donors who help make lifesaving treatments possible for many childhood cancer patients.”

More than 15,000 children and adolescents in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Central Connecticut held a blood drive yesterday in the Student Center Circle, allowing interested students to donate blood to a good cause and saving up to three lives in the process.

CCSU student Bailey Murphy said she wanted to donate blood but couldn’t because she recently got a new tattoo. In order to donate blood after a fresh tattoo, one must wait an average six months before they are eligible to do so.

“I wanted to donate blood this year because it’s important to help out whenever I can,” Murphy said.

Anyone interested and eligible to donate is urged by the Red Cross to schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, online at RedCrossBlood.org/sport-clips or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Below are upcoming blood donation opportunities.

New Britain:

• Sept. 4: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Connecticut State University, Student Center, Ella Grasso Blvd.

Plainville:

• Sept. 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Our Lady of Mercy, 19 South Canal St.

Newington:

• Sept. 14: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Raymour & Flanigan, 3375 Berlin Turnpike.

Farmington:

• Sept. 5: 11:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., American Red Cross Farmington Blood Donation Center, 209 Farmington Ave.
• Sept. 8: 6:30 to 11:30 a.m., American Red Cross Farmington Blood Donation Center, 209 Farmington Ave.
• Sept.12: 11:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., American Red Cross Farmington Blood Donation Center, 209 Farmington Ave.
• Sept. 15: 6:30 to 11:30 a.m., American Red Cross Farmington Blood Donation Center, 209 Farmington Ave.

Bristol:

• Sept. 4: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Healthtrax, 842 Clark Ave.
• Sept. 11: 1 to 6 p.m., Elks Lodge, 126 South St.
• Sept. 13: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bristol Senior Center, 240 Stafford Ave.

To view eligibility requirements, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical.html for more information.