The American Red Cross is offering a free application for smart phones that makes it easier and faster for Iowans to find a nearby blood drive. The agency’s spokeswoman Katie Marshall says it’s a free app. You can track your donations, you can learn more about your specific blood type,” Marshall says, “and if there’s a shortage of your blood type, you’re going to get an alert saying, ‘Hey, we really need you to come in.'” The app is available for both i-Phone and Droid users.

“You can look for where the closest blood drives are in your area, you can make an appointment right there,” she says, while making blood donation goals for yourself. Marshall says the Red Cross is the nation’s single-largest supplier of blood and now that summer vacation is over, supplies are up.

“We’re seeing those high school and college drives start to pick up again,” she says. “We’re not looking at a shortage of any sort right now but the need is constant. That doesn’t mean anyone is off the hook. We need people to be donating constantly.” Iowans who want the new Blood Donor App can download it free at redcrossblood.org.

(Radio Iowa)