American Red Cross Regional Communication Manager Jayce Eustice says extreme heat and travel plans are hampering donations.
"What is different about this shortage is we're seeing a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July at a time when distribution to hospitals remains strong and the blood supply hasn't recovered from the significant donation shortfall that we saw earlier in the summer," Eustice said in a phone interview with WVIK.
He says the distribution of blood at hospitals is outpacing the donations coming into the Red Cross.
The American Red Cross is offering a $20 Amazon gift card to people who donate in August either blood, platelets or plasma.
Eustice says individuals can visit the Red Cross website and find blood drives in their area.
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