BOSTON, Mass. - The American Red Cross continues to urge donors of all blood types to act now and make an appointment to give blood or platelets amid the ongoing national blood crisis. Just three additional donors at every blood drive could help further stabilize the blood supply and ensure patients continue receiving lifesaving care.

Since issuing only the second blood crisis in Red Cross history in late July, thousands of generous donors have stepped up to help save lives. At the same time, the blood supply remains under severe pressure, just as many communities transition to back-to-school schedules. When fewer donors are available to give, the impact on available lifesaving blood products can be significant — especially when the blood supply is already facing a low.

Keep up the momentum and help reverse the blood crisis. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those who are unable to donate can still make an impact by encouraging eligible friends, family members and colleagues to give blood.

Below are some upcoming blood drives in the local area:

Thursday, Sept. 3

-  Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, 1-6 p.m.

-  Plainridge Park Casino, 301 Washington St., Plainville,

11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4

-  Milford Regional Medical

Center, 14 Prospect St., Milford, 12-5 p.m.

-  Encompass Fitness, 27 Milliston Rd., Millis, 12-5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5

-  Norfolk Center for Active Living, 28 Medway Branch Rd., Norfolk, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 6

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 7

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 11a.m.-7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 11a.m.-7:15 p.m.

-  Natick Town Hall, 13 E. Central St., Natick, 12-5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 9:30 a.m.- 5:45 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

-  Milford Regional Medical Center, 14 Prospect St., Milford, 1-6 p.m.

-  Framingham MA Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 11 a.m.-7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17

-  Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, 1-6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18

-  Framingham Fire Dept., 10 Loring Dr., Framingham, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19

-  St. Joseph Parish, 145 Holliston St., Medway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 21

-  Bellingham Public Library, 100 Blackstone St., Bellingham, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 11 a.m.-7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

-  Framingham Blood Donation Ctr., 150 Worcester Rd., Ste. 4, Framingham, 11 a.m.-7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26

-  First Unitarian Universalist Church of Milford, 23 Pine St., Milford, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.