Urging residents to donate, the American Red Cross is offering a number of Santa Clarita Valley donation opportunities starting Tuesday to encourage eligible Santa Clarita residents to give blood and help resupply the nonprofit’s inventory.

“September is National Preparedness Month and we urge donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director of Red Cross Blood Services.

The Red Cross is currently down more than 10,000 donations from what is needed to restore the blood supply to be prepared for emergencies large and small, after a significant summer shortage.

Further declines in blood donations can lead to blood shortages which make it difficult to meet patient needs if any emergency or disaster occur.

“Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition like sickle cell disease, a routine surgery, a traumatic accident or a large-scale disaster, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives,” said Gehrig. “Red Cross blood and platelet donors play an important role in helping communities be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.”

Donors of all blood types are needed and advised to make an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-733-2767.

Castaic invites residents to donate on Sept. 20 at Northlake Hills Elementary School located at 32545 Ridge Route Rd. from 6:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Newhall invites residents Oct. 4 at The Master’s University located at 21726 W. Placerita Cyn Road from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Canyon Country will be holding a donation event on Oct. 7 at Charter College located at 19034 Soledad Canyon Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Santa Clarita Old West Masonic Lodge will also be welcoming donors at 19310 Avenue of the Oaks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 10/8 and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on 10/12.

Valencia will also be inviting donors to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located at 24500 Town Center Dr. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA, located at 26147 McBean Parkway from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12.