ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – Officials with the American Red Cross said Monday they are urging anybody who can to donate blood.

Officials said blood supply has reached emergency levels with about 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. The shortfall leaves the American Red Cross with half of the normally available blood products than they had this time last year.

Red Cross officials are calling any available donors to give as soon as possible. They need all blood types, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative.

Officials said an unexpected early start to the spring might be a factor in low donation numbers. Many people are out doing activities when they could be giving blood. They also said having Independence Day fall in the middle of the week this year (Wednesday) has reduced the number of scheduled blood drives. Many sponsors and businesses are unable to have drives because employees are taking extended vacations over the holiday.

For more information on giving blood or to schedule a blood donation, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or go the American Red Cross web site.