PORTSMOUTH — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down.

Type O blood donors are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August.

Donors remain critically needed to support the Red Cross delivery of vital blood products, which are in demand around-the-clock as hospitals work to save lives this summer.

When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply can quickly shrink.

Help safeguard necessary care for patients — book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1(800)RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

In thanks, those who come to give in the month of August will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.

See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for more details.

Scioto County blood drives with appointments available in August:

* The Western Sun Masonic Lodge, 11800 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg is having a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7.

* SOMC LIFE Center, 1202 18th St., Portsmouth is having a blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 12.

* Sunshine Church of Christ, 20 Barklow Road, Portsmouth is having a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13

* Portsmouth Health & Rehabilitation, 727 Eighth St., Portsmouth is having a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19

* Cornerstone Church of Portsmouth, 808 Offnere St., Portsmouth is having a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27