Red Cross sees 25 percent drop in blood supply since July 1

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage as dangerous levels of heat grips the nation.
Since July 1, there has been a 25% drop in supply of every blood type, according to the organization.
Heat has impacted 100 blood drives in July in almost every state where the Red Cross Collects blood. This has compounded other seasonal obstacles to blood donation like travel and other summer events.
Several cities like Akron, Cleveland and Youngstown have had several days with record high temperatures since June, according to the National Weather Service.
The Youngstown area has especially seen record levels of precipitation, which led to humid conditions throughout the valley.
This led to a shortfall of 19,000 blood donations, according to the organization.
"Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in," reads a statement from the American Read Cross. "Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on."
Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment, said Dr. Eric Gehrie.
Folks looking to give blood and help fight this shortage through giving blood, platelets or plasma, the American Red Cross is giving out $20 gift cards for Amazon between August 1 and August 31.
For more information, click here.