HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent during June, creating a growing gap between donations and hospital demand.

The Red Cross says blood distributions to hospitals are running nearly 3,500 units higher each week than expected during the busy summer trauma season. Officials say fewer school blood drives, busy summer schedules and fewer volunteer donors have contributed to the shortage.

The organization says the shortage is especially serious for platelet donations and Type O positive and Type B negative blood.

The Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to schedule an appointment through July 31. As a thank-you, anyone who donates by then will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, good for up to a $15 movie ticket.

The Red Cross also hopes to clear up common misconceptions about blood donation. Officials say blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished. The organization notes someone in the United States needs blood about every two seconds.

Several blood drives are scheduled across Catawba County in the coming weeks, including:

• July 16, 2:30 to 7 p.m. – Corinth Reformed Bost Hall, Hickory
• July 21, 2:30 to 7 p.m. – Zion Lutheran Church, Hickory
• July 24, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Newton Public Library
• July 27 – Blood drives in Maiden and Newton
• July 30 – Three separate blood drives in Hickory