On this World Blood Donor Day, the American Red Cross is making a plea for everyone to roll up their sleeves as they deal with a nationwide blood shortage.

The American Red Cross said the number of traumas, elective surgeries and transplants is increasing nationwide and the nation's blood supply has fallen to critical levels.

"Periodically, we will see blood shortages over the calendar and it's usually sometime around July, with it being more of a season of trauma," said Dr. Jill Stefanucci-Uberti, V.P. of Medical Affairs and Emergency Physician with Mercy Health. "It's unusual to see it as early as June. A reason for this is COVID-19 because we were not able to donate blood and blood drives were few and far between."

As blood donors are needed nationwide, Dr. Stefanucci-Uberti told 21 News anyone can donate blood, even if they've had COVID-19 or received the vaccine.

"We would like you to be 14 days out from having had COVID-19," Stefanucci-Uberti said. "If you've had the COVID-19 vaccine, you can donate. They would like you to bring your vaccine card with you."

Stefanucci-Uberti said locally, all blood types are needed. She said hospitals need to be cautious in the amount of blood they're distributing.

"We wait until you've had a certain hemoglobin level or blood lose level before we transfuse you," Stefanucci-Uberti said. "Occasionally, in the past, we may make an exception to that rule. However, we're trying really hard to follow those guidelines strictly. If you have a procedure scheduled that's going to be at high risk for requiring blood, then we might have to postpone that. We are not currently doing that but it may be the next step."

Mercy Health is currently planning blood drives at several locations in partnership with Red Cross. Stay with 21 News as that info is released.