BATON ROUGE - The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June.

The shortage is happening during what's known as the summer trauma season, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the need for blood to treat traumatic injuries often increases.

Right now, Red Cross blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected.

All blood types are needed, with a particular need for O positive and B negative, as well as A-B plasma.

Blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors.

Our Lady of the Lake Blood Center in Baton Rouge is one location where people can donate.