25% blood supply decline in US since July 1 due to canceled drives amid heatwave, with urgent demand for Type O blood.

The American Red Cross reports a 25% decline in blood supply since July 1, primarily due to canceled blood drives amidst a heatwave. The drop in donations is particularly concerning as there is an urgent demand for Type O blood. The Red Cross has urged the public to donate blood as soon as possible to alleviate the shortage, and is offering a $20 Amazon gift card to donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma by August 31.