 Many health organizations are asking the public to help end a blood shortage by donating during the summer months. Groups like the American Red Cross say that donations usually decrease this time of the year as people leave for vacations. At a blood drive held outside the Edward Jones office in Bemidji, staff from Memorial Blood Centers say they need donations from all blood types. The non-profit works with other organizations and businesses to run the drive at locations throughout Minnesota. If you're driving in Bemidji and you see the big bus, I'd encourage anyone to stop and give blood. It's a good thing that you can do to help people and who knows it might be you that's the next person that needs blood. Memorial Blood Centers says the blood collected during the drive will be used in part by patients at Sanford Health in Bemidji. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.