The blood supply at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has reached critically low levels, hospital officials said Wednesday.

"We need blood donations year-round to help us care for our patients," said Dr. Ajay Perumbeti, director of Transfusion Medicine.

The hospital needs 2,000 units of blood and blood components each month to serve its patients' needs, he said. The hospital's goal is to attract 65 donors each day during July to replenish its blood and platelets supply.

"We strongly encourage members of our community to please make an appointment with us to donate," Perumbeti said. "Tell your friends, family members and co-workers to join so that you can make a difference and possibly save a child's life."

Donors need to be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. They must bring a photo ID and meet criteria for recent travel. The blood center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Appointments can be made at (323) 361-2441 or www.chladonateblood.org.