MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- BloodCenter of Wisconsin (BCW), part of Versiti, is reaching out to the community with an emergency appeal for blood donors. Due to lower than normal donations following the Fourth of July holiday week, blood donations are at a critically low level.

Following the holiday week, BCW has experienced low appointment levels and critically low levels of several blood types – less than a half-day supply. Their aim is to maintain a two to three day supply to ensure that life-saving blood is available to treat patients in need.

While the need is at its highest during the summer, donations are at their lowest, declining as much as 20% according to a release.

“We look to our volunteer blood donors for this precious, life-saving resource during times of critical need,” says Jerome Gottschall, M.D., senior medical director, BloodCenter of Wisconsin. “This time of year we need them more than ever. We need them to know they are saving lives and making a difference in our community. It’s donations that are made today that will help save the lives of people tomorrow.”

BCW is the exclusive blood supplier to every hospital in Southeastern Wisconsin and 57 hospitals across the state. Patients in emergency situations also tend to rise during summer and recent natural disasters and other unforeseen tragedies highlight the critical need for blood of all types, especially type O negative which can be safely given to all patients.

Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at any of the BloodCenter of Wisconsin's 10 statewide donor centers or at one of the community blood drives. To make an appointment click here.