By The American Red Cross will partner with the Mountain View community for a blood drive scheduled for noon to 5 p.m., April 20, at the El Camino YMCA, Park Pavilion Room, 2400 Grant Road. The goal of the drive is to collect 30 units of blood.

Still reeling from a blood supply that dropped more than 60,000 units in one month this winter, the organization said it has high expectations that better weather will bring improved collections.

“Unfortunately, bad weather drastically affects our ability to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply because drives are canceled and donors tend to stay indoors,” said spokesperson Kimberly Roberts. “But now that it looks like the worst of winter is behind us, we hope to see community members out in droves showing their support at their local drives.”

Red Cross statistics show someone in the United State needing a blood transfusion every three seconds, yet only 5 percent of the eligible population donates blood. In the Bay Area, that number drops to 3.5 percent.

In order to give blood, you must be 17 years or older, weigh no less than 110 pounds and be in good health.

To make an appointment, call 1-800-448-3543 or logon to BeADonor.com.