(EFFINGHAM) Since last Monday, August 5th, the American Red Cross has been operating on a National Appeal for Blood Collections, mostly because July’s national blood inventory plummeted by more than 25% due to last month’s record setting heat which affected drives in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood, not to mention the other typical seasonal obstacles to giving blood, such as vacation travel and summer activities. However, the nationwide demand for blood is still very strong, especially with type O blood supplies at very low levels. As a result, the American Red Cross is strongly encouraging new blood donors to respond while asking past donors to stay vigilant in their blood donating efforts. With the Blood Donation Center in Effingham, giving blood is easy for regional residents as they can go online to schedule a donation appointment at the redcrossblood.org website, or call the BDC toll-free, at 800-733-2767, plus there are various area blood drives as well. A $20 gift card is available for those who give blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma in August.