There is a blood shortage, and the American Red Cross is encouraging MSU students to help out.

For most of the summer, the Great Lakes Region of the Red Cross has been operating under its smallest blood supply in a decade.

The organization will host several drives on campus during the fall.

The Red Cross estimates the region needs 750 people a day to donate blood. Since May, between 500 and 600 donate a day.

One blood donor gives enough blood to save three lives.

MSU will be hosting six blood drives during September as follows.

The drives are noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 3, Union Iowa Room; Noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 4, St. John's Student Parish, 327 M.A.C. Ave.; Noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 9, International Center; 1 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 10, Shaw Hall; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 16, Physical Plant; 1 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 17, Bailey Hall.

To donate, e-mail bleedgreen@usa.redcross.org with the preferred location and time for donation. For more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.