CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County will host five American Red Cross blood drives over the next month as the Red Cross aims to replenish blood supply after what it calls a "critical summer blood shortage."

The first blood drive will take place in Norwich on Tuesday, August 28 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at VFW Post 2782 located at 61-63 East Main Street.

A release from the American Red Cross states, "Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage."

The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood and platelet throughout Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September as a means of supporting kids, teens, and young adults battling cancer.