CLAY COUNTY — Since July 1, Red Cross reports the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those who come give blood, platelets or plasma through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

There are also upcoming blood drives, where donations can be made. Those in Clay County are: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Smithville fire district, 341 Park Drive, Smithville; 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, Kindred Hospital Northland, 500 NW 68th St. in Kansas City; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, North Kansas City YMCA, 1999 Iron St. in North Kansas City; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19, Pleasant Valley Church, 1600 N. Missouri Highway 291 in Liberty; 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 23, Rooney Justice Center, 11 S. Water St. in Liberty; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 28, Gladstone Community Center, 6901 N. Holmes St. in Gladstone; and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 29, North Kansas City Parks and Recreation Building, 1201 Clark Ferguson Drive in North Kansas City.