The American Red Cross is asking donors to book a time to give blood or platelets before busy fall schedules and holiday celebrations ramp up. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Donors are needed to help ensure blood and platelets are always available and on the shelves for cancer patients and others who rely on transfusions for care.

By scheduling and keeping appointments in October, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesa...