Berkeley Heights residents can donate blood Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, 378 Snyder Ave., in a drive co-sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 368 and the American Red Cross.

The drive runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors can register at redcrossblood.org by entering zip code 07922 and selecting the Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad location, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

The township announced the event on its official social media account Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The drive comes as the region faces a significant blood shortage. In July, New York Blood Center Enterprises declared its second blood emergency of the summer, reporting that the regional supply had fallen to roughly two days of inventory. O-negative blood, the universal type used in emergencies, was at particularly low levels.

"We prepare for seasonal challenges every year, but the combination of extreme weather, disrupted routines, and low national inventories has created an unprecedented situation," Andrea Cefarelli, chief operating officer of blood and laboratory operations at New York Blood Center Enterprises, said July 14 when the organization declared the emergency, as reported by TAPinto.

The Rescue Squad's previous blood drive on July 16 surpassed its collection goal, pulling in 43 units of blood with nine first-time donors, according to a BHVRS Facebook post.

Troop 368, which meets at Mountain Park School, has a history of community service in Berkeley Heights, including organizing blood drives. The all-volunteer Rescue Squad responds to more than 800 calls per year.

The Aug. 27 drive is the next scheduled opportunity to donate at the squad building. Residents can sign up at redcrossblood.org using zip code 07922 or by calling 1-800-733-2767.