KRCU Public Radio at Southeast Missouri State University and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aleen Vogel Wehking Alumni Center, located at 926 Broadway St. in Cape Girardeau.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. To register, visit krcu.org/blooddrive. All donors will receive a free t-shirt, while supplies last. Face coverings are REQUIRED, regardless of vaccination status.

The drive is an opportunity to support the community and give someone a second chance at life, said Dan Woods, KRCU general manager.

According to the Red Cross, with hospital blood use up, the blood supply has fallen to emergency levels. As a result of this shortage, some elective surgeries are being delayed until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care.

Hosting a blood drive is a great way to give back to the community, and blood supplies are critically low right now, Woods said. Were excited to partner with the American Red Cross to help anyone who needs the lifesaving gift of blood

For more information on the blood donation process, visit the Red Cross FAQ page or contact KRCU at (573) 651-5070.

KRCU Public Radio is a National Public Radio member station and is located on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University and broadcasts on 90.9 FM, KRCU in Cape Girardeau, 88.9 FM, KSEF in Ste. Genevieve and Farmington and 91.3 FM, KDMC in Van Buren and Poplar Bluff. KRCU can be heard anywhere in the world at www.krcu.org.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or on Twitter at @RedCross.