The American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for blood and platelet donations to help replenish an extremely low blood supply, according to spokesperson Bernadette Jay.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations have fallen short in the past few months, resulting in 39,000 fewer donations than normal. The Red Cross is extending hours at many donation sites in the coming days and weeks.

All eligible donors are urged to give blood as soon as possible.

Blood drives are scheduled in and around the Western Tidewater region throughout July.

In Smithfield, donors can give from noon to 6 p.m. July 21, at Trinity United Methodist Church.

In Suffolk, donors can give at Beech Grove United Methodist Church from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday; at New Vision Ministries and Teen Church from 2 to 7 p.m. on Monday; and at the Walgreens on Bridge Road from 3:15 to 6:15 p.m. on July 19.

In Chesapeake the following blood drives are scheduled: Great Bridge United Methodist Church, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday; Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday; Community Church at Western Branch, from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday; Greenbrier Mall, from 1 to 6 p.m., on Tuesday; Chesapeake Square Mall, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 16; Centerville Baptist Church, from 2 to 7 p.m., on July 19; and Real Life Christian Church, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 24.