The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is calling on healthy individuals to donate. A Red Cross executive attributed the decline in blood supply to extreme heat and people traveling during the end of summer.

Since July 1, the national blood supply has dropped by over 25%, with a particular need for type O blood. The heat disrupted numerous blood drives nationwide in July, leading to a deficit of more than 17,000 donations, even as hospital demand for blood remained high.

Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, emphasized the importance of having type O positive and O negative blood available for patients in urgent situations, including those in trauma.

To schedule a donation, you can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 800-733-2767. Donors in August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card via email.