There are three blood drives scheduled around the area for the month of August. The first is this Wednesday, August 5 from 11am until 5pm at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. On Monday, August 24, a blood drive will be held at the Belle Center Cornerstone Church in Belle Center from noon until 6pm. The American Red Cross has announced that there is an emergency blood and platelet shortage, and donations are desperately needed. You can schedule an appointment and find more blood drives at redcrossblood.org.