Many across the country responded to an emergency request for blood donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July, but a critical blood shortage remains.

The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available throughout the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.

At times, blood is being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in and donate blood between July 25 and August 31 by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS ( 1-800-733-2767 ). Donation appointments adnd completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce wait times.

The next Red Cross blood drive in Geary County will be Aug. 15 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Building. There will be a Red Cross blood drive in Manhattan Tuesday ( July 26 ) from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More at 2900 Kimball Avenue. There will be another Red Cross blood drive in Manhattan Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1115 Moro Street.