Facing an emergency blood shortage, the American Red Cross is urging people to give blood now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%. Blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urgently needed. Type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are below what hospitals count on. The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients. Extreme heat waves have impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together, these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.