The American Red Cross has issued an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and heads out for final summer travel plans.
In July, the Red Cross says heat impacted blood drives in nearly every state the Red Cross collects blood, which is a contributing factor to the further draw down of an already low blood supply.
The Red Cross says they need donors to give blood or platelets now to avoid any potential effect on lifesaving medical treatments.
Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.
Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.
The Red Cross is adding incentive to donate blood by giving donors $20 Amazon Gift Cards in August.
You can use the Red Cross Blood Donor app or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation.