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The American Red Cross on July 13 declared an emergency blood shortage across the nation after its supply dropped by nearly 25% in June."Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay," the Red Cross announced in a news release.Currently, Red Cross blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, according to the organization.“Summer always brings challenges for the blood supply but patients are still in the hospital, needing blood for critical medical care,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross. “Without blood available, emergency rooms and maternity wards are paralyzed and patients with life threatening conditions or injuries may not get the treatments they need."Donors who give blood through July 31 will receive a movie ticket voucher from Fandango worth up to $15, the Red Cross said in its release.Here's what to know about the blood shortage across the United States, including how you can help.Why is there a blood shortage?This shortage comes amid what the Red Cross called the "summer trauma season" − the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the need for blood to treat traumatic injuries often increases.In addition, "a steep decline" in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need, the Red Cross said.The nonprofit chalked the decline in donations up to reasons including busy schedules, temporary illness and the seasonal loss of school blood drives.Without swift action, the release says, people who rely on transfusions, including trauma patients, face serious risks.What blood types are most needed?All blood types are needed, but the Red Cross said the shortage is especially serious for the following:O positive bloodB negative bloodAB plasmaHow to donate blood to the Red CrossPeople who want to give blood can find donation locations and schedule appointments by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).People may also book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App on your cell phone or tablet.Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund
