BOWLING GREEN, Mo. – The American Red Cross is urging individuals to take part in a blood drive that has been moved to Cornerstone Christian Church in Bowling Green on Wednesday, March 25.

The blood drive was originally slated to be held at Bowling Green High School. It has been moved to the church due to the school closures.

This is an emergency blood drive and the Red Cross is pleading for help. Officials say there is a severe shortage of blood due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

As of last Friday, 235 blood drives have been cancelled in the Missouri and Illinois regions resulting in 9,600 fewer donations.  Since blood is desperately needed, the event was moved to Cornerstone Christian Church. It is located at 1620 Business Highway 54 in Bowling Green. The event will take place from 12:30-6 p.m.

The event will conform with CDC regulations and the limit of donors at any time will be 10. Red Cross officials urge donors to make an appointment by going to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “BowlingGreenHS” or download the app. Officials also ask donors to complete Rapid Pass the day of the blood drive.