The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood or platelets now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead.

Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.

More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel over the Memorial Day holiday, meaning fewer donors may be available to give. People can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule a time to give.

In thanks for making and keeping appointments, the Red Cross will help donors prepare for beach days and backyard fun as the season begins: All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last. Also, during June, donors at blood drives in counties with Stewart’s Shops locations will receive a voucher for a free pint of Stewart’s ice cream or gelato.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

Herkimer County

Dolgeville — Wednesday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., James A. Green High School, 38 Slawson St.;

Herkimer — Thursday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Foltsbrook Center, 104 N. Washington St.; Wednesday, June 7,
1 to 6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars, 131 Mohawk St.;

Little Falls — Monday, June 5, noon to 5 p.m., Elks Lodge, 60 Ann St.;

Mohawk — Tuesday, June 6, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., American Legion Post 25, 43 W. Main St.

Madison County

Canastota — Thursday, June 15, 1 to 6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars, 3835 Canal Road;

Hamilton — Thursday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Community Memorial Hospital, 150 Broad St.; Wednesday, June 7, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 27 Broad St.;

Morrisville — Friday, May 26, 1 to 6 p.m., Morrisville Community Church, 3824 Swamp Road;

Oneida — Friday, June 9, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles St.; Thursday, June 15, noon to 5 p.m., Oneida YMCA, 701 Seneca St.;

Wampsville — Today, Thursday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., County Office Building, 138 N. Court St.

Oneida County

Barneveld — Friday, June 2, 1 to 6 p.m., Trenton Municipal Center, 8520 Old Poland Road;

Boonville — Friday, June 9, 1 to 6 p.m., Harland J. Hennessey Veterans of Foreign Wars, 108 Park Ave.;

Camden — Tuesday, June 6, 1 to 6 p.m., St. John’s the Evangelist Church, 35 Third St.;

Clinton — Wednesday, June 7, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., COCVAC, 7489 E. South St.;

New Hartford — Today, Thursday, May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., New Hartford Public Library, 2 Library Lane; Friday, May 26, 1 to 6 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 630 French Road;

New York Mills — Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., New York Mills Fire Department, 379 Main St.;

Rome — Friday, May 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., VFW Post 2246, 315 N. Washington St.; Friday, June 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., VFW Post 2246; Thursday, June 15, 1 to 6 p.m., VFW Post 2246;

Sauquoit — Tuesday, May 30, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sauquoit Valley High School, 2601 Oneida St.;

Sherrill — Thursday, June 15, noon to 5 p.m., Community Activity Center, 139 E. Hamilton Ave.;

Utica — Thursday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, 2209 Genesee St.; Wednesday, June 14, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care, 1656 Champlin Ave.;

Westmoreland — Friday, June 2, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Westmoreland Fire Department, 100 Station Road;

Whitesboro — Friday, May 26, noon to 5 p.m., Dunham Public Library, 76 Main St.