The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage after the national supply fell by more than 25% since July 1. The organization said Monday that extreme temperatures and oppressive heat waves impacted almost 100 blood drives last month, in almost every state where the Red Cross collects blood. Blood donations typically slow down during the summer because of travel and other seasonal activities, but the Red Cross said extreme heat exacerbated the challenge, contributing to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. Type O blood is routinely in short supply because type O positive is the most common blood type, and type O negative is the universal blood type needed for emergency transfusions. Those who donate by Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, the Red Cross said.

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Persons: Melissa Destross, “ I’ve, Dr, Barry Siegfried Organizations: Cross, Red Cross Michigan, Connecticut Blood Center, NBC Locations: Detroit, Connecticut, NBC Connecticut