The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume non-urgent and elective procedures, increasing the demand for blood products. Blood donors are encouraged to make donation appointments to prevent another shortage like the one that occurred at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.  The Red Cross says demand for blood products has grown by 30-percent, after sharply declining in early April.  The Red Cross cautioned that blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and organizations remain closed.  There are blood drives scheduled on the 11th at the Ridgefield Parks and Rec Center from 1:30pm to 7pm, and on the 12th in Bethel at Walnut Hill Community Church from 1:30pm to 6:30pm.