Columbia-area residents are encouraged to donate blood or platelets on Monday in Columbia, as the American Red Cross tries to reverse what they describe as the ongoing national blood crisis.
The American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri plans two blood drives on Monday: one from 8 am to 2:45 at the blood donation center on South Providence and the other from 10 am to 2 pm at the Missouri Department of Conservation on East Gans road.
The Red Cross says the blood supply remains under severe pressure with back-to-school schedules and people enjoying the final days of summer.