UB employees can help overcome a critical summer blood shortage by taking part in blood drives being held this month on the North Campus.

Unyts’ Donate Life Express Bus will be at Bissell Hall from 1:30-4 p.m. Aug. 17. To schedule an appointment, visit www.unyts.org, click “donate blood” and enter sponsor code 000258. Donors also can call UNYTS at 716-512-7940. Photo identification required; walk-ins are welcome.

Later in the month, the American Red Cross will hold a drive from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Student Union.

Donors can schedule an appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

The Red Cross says the summer months are among the most challenging times of years to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs, as many regular donors delay giving to take a vacation or participate in summer activities.