Shortage: Idaho Red Cross Will Send You Gift Card For Your Blood

Blood supplies are at a critical low in Idaho. The state's Red Cross has started a new initiative to persuade people to donate by rewarding residents with gift cards for online spending.

To contact the American Red Cross in Boise regarding donation sites or to get questions answered, call 208-947-4357.

For the past few months, the American Red Cross of Idaho has been experiencing a drop in blood donations that have brought the reserve down to roughly 25 percent of normal, according to details shared by idahonews.com. State colleges have also been executing campus blood drives to assist the Red Cross, but more help is needed.

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For those who can help by donating blood, the Red Cross will mail donors a $20 Amazon gift card for blood received for the remainder of August, according to idahonews.com. Type O blood is particularly needed, but donors of all types are urged to schedule appointments with the Red Cross.

For anyone who is presently being treated for any sort of blood disease or platelet disorder, it's not recommended you donate, according to the New York Blood Center. The hot weather has resulted in a reduction in supply, according to information found online.

To contact the American Red Cross in Boise regarding donation sites or to get questions answered, call 208-947-4357. Whole blood, plasma, platelets, and red cells are needed by the Red Cross in order to get supplies to those who most critically need them. Gift cards will be mailed out after donations have been collected.