The Connecticut Blood Center has declared an emergency due to a shortage of blood donations.

The center said it has an urgent call for O blood type.

The CTBC and the lieutenant governor will host a press conference on Tuesday to raise awareness of the shortage.

Officials said donations have been hundreds short of what is needed to meet hospital demand.

They said the shortage strains the region’s blood supply during the critical summer months.

This is the first blood emergency of 2024.

To donate and to find the nearest blood donation center, click here.