The American Red Cross is experiencing an unusually low turnout for blood donations in Coos and Curry counties. Some September blood drives have had only 60 percent of donors arrive for their appointments.

The recent downturn in donor commitment has left the district struggling to fill blood donor appointment spots. The Red Cross still can meet the demand for blood products, but not if the low levels of participation continue, said spokesman Brad Owens.

“We want to get the show rate back up to where it needs to be, so we don’t have to have that type of issue,” he said.

The Red Cross likes to see at least 90 percent of its donors keep their appointments.

Officials with the nonprofit are asking all eligible donors to take time out of their schedules to give blood as soon as possible.

“In this economy, giving blood offers a way for people to still give back to community, without spending anything but time,” Owens said.

Blood products are routinely transfused to those with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients, and accident and trauma victims. Volunteer blood donors are the primary source of blood used for transfusions, and the blood must be available before it is needed to help save lives.

Owens said donating a pint of blood can save up to three people’s lives, based on the products that come from it. The Red Cross sends the donations to Portland, where they are separated into four components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma.

The Red Cross is scheduling blood drives throughout the South Coast area for October. To schedule an appointment or find a nearby drive site call (800) 448-3543 or visit http://www.givelife.org.