The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood and platelet shortage. All blood types, especially type O, are needed.

Locally, the following blood drives are planned (donors are asked to make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS):

Fayette County

Oct. 13: Asbury United Methodist Church, Uniontown, 1:30-7 p.m.

Oct. 14: Springfield Clifford N. Pritts Elementary School, Normalville, 1:30-7 p.m.

Oct. 15: noon-5:30 p.m., Highlands Hospital, Connellsville

Oct. 21: St. Peter Parish Center, Brownsville, noon-5:30 p.m.

Oct. 23: Pleasant Valley Masonic Lodge, Bullskin, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Indiana County

Oct. 13: Ramada by Wyndham, Indiana, noon-6 p.m.

Oct. 25: Trinity United Methodist Church, Indiana, 1-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: United High School, Armagh, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Oct. 28: Hampton Inn & Suites, Blairsville, 1-6 p.m.

Oct. 28: Indiana Mall, Indiana, 1-6:30 p.m.

Westmoreland County

Oct. 13: Greensburg Blood Donation Center, noon-6 p.m.

Oct. 14: Murrysville Education Center, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15: North Huntingdon Town House, 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Oct. 20: YMCA of Laurel Highlands, Mount Pleasant, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Oct. 21: Hempfield Township Athletic Complex, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oct. 22: Heritage United Methodist Church, Ligonier, 2-7 p.m.

Oct. 25: East Kensington Community Circle, New Kensington, noon-5:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: Red Cross Greensburg Blood Donation Center, noon-6 p.m.

Oct. 28: Export Volunteer Fire Department, 1-6:30 p.m.