An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types — especially type O — to give now and help save lives.Three blood drives are scheduled in Warren County in July and August. One will take place from 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 27, at the Wil Heiliger Activity Building, 13410 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Wright City.To schedule an appointment to donate at this location or others, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups earlier this month compared to a typical week, as individuals across the country celebrated the Fourth of July holiday and enjoyed summer activities.This could equate to as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in.“Each and every day, individuals across the country depend on blood and platelet donations for lifesaving treatments and emergency care, so it’s critical that people donate now to meet these needs,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services.“Whether you’ve never donated or give a couple of times a year, you’re needed to give as soon as possible to help save patients’ lives,” he said. “Yours may be the donation a patient is counting on.”This need is especially critical for type O blood donors. Type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage.Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.Red Cross Blood Drive