(Host) The American Red Cross says it's begun to see a drop in people donating blood over the past several days.

Carol Dembeck of the Red Cross says there's frequently a dropoff in late summer because regular donors are on vacation.

(Dembeck) "Well we had been holding our own pretty much throughout the summer, which, of course is always a very challenging time for blood collections, until really quite recently. And we are now starting to see a decline in collections throughout Vermont and actually throughout the rest of our northern New England region."

(Host) Dembeck says the Red Cross has adjusted its schedule. It now accepts donations at its Burlington offices six days a week.

It's also tried to make other blood drives more convenient and it works with other organizations to help encourage people to donate.