The long July Fourth holiday weekend, when fewer donors were available to donate, has placed an additional strain on the blood supply. The American Red Cross urges blood donors to make a donation immediately.

Patients throughout the region depend on blood donors daily.

Seventeen-year-old Shandy Conley has a rare blood disorder that causes her body to destroy red blood cells. As a result, she must have periodic blood and platelet transfusions in order to live, according to a news release from the American Red Cross.

Born with a heart defect, 2-year-old Kaelyn has already undergone two heart surgeries and is preparing for her third procedure, all requiring the use of blood products.

"Every day there are hundreds of patients like Shandy and Kaelyn who count on blood and platelet donors to keep them alive," said Robert F. Fechner, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. "Donating a unit of blood may be one of the easiest and most powerful acts of human kindness possible. We really need blood donors to step forward now to help us through these difficult summer months."

The Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, which supplies blood to 103 hospitals, needs 1,600 blood and platelet donors.

A number of blood donation drives are planned for the coming weeks. They include:

-- Monday, July 17, from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m., Moore County Red Cross Chapter Office, 244 SW Broad St., Southern Pines.

-- Wednesday, July 19, 1 to 6 p.m., Seven Lakes Community, North Club House.

-- Tuesday, July 25, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Penick Village at North Ridge Street and East Rhode Island Avenue, Southern Pines.

-- Friday, July 28, noon to 4:30 p.m., Chick-fil-A, U.S. 15-501, Southern Pines.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. A photo ID is also required.

For additional information, interested persons can call the Moore County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 692-8571.