The American Red Cross and Carter BloodCare are sounding the alarm about a critical blood shortage and urging eligible donors to help replenish supplies as hospitals face difficult decisions about patient care. The Red Cross has declared a national blood shortage emergency for only the second tim e in its history after blood supplies dropped 25% in June. Jean Paul Signoret, a Spanish-speaking spokesperson with the American Red Cross in North Texas, said the limited supply is being reserved for life-or-death situations, which could lead to delays for patients with scheduled procedures because doctors must prioritize those with the most urgent needs. The blood type most urgently needed by the Red Cross is O-negative, commonly known as the universal blood type. Signoret said O-negative blood is typically used first in trauma cases and accidents because any patient can receive it regardless of their blood type. Summer is typically the time when blood is needed most and donations are at their lowest. This year, blood banks said extreme heat and the World Cup are believed to have contributed to the decline in donations. The American Red Cross provides 40% of the blood supplied to 2,500 hospitals across the country. Because blood is perishable, supplies must be constantly replenished. People who donate blood through the American Red Cross between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. Red Cross donors can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Espanol or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Carter BloodCare said there is also a critical need for O-positive donors and they are offering a $50 electronic gift card for people who make double-red cell O-positive donations through July 31. For other donations, the Bedford-based blood bank is also offering free Chick-fil-A, thermoses and $25 gift cards on Mondays and Fridays, along with a raffle for four Dallas Cowboys tickets. Carter BloodCare donors can get more information on making a donation here. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less