Local Red Cross giving movie tickets to blood donors

Good evening everyone and welcome to 22 News at 530. I'm Christina DeMorse. And I'm Ciara Speller. The American Red Cross is asking for the public's help as their blood supply is dwindling. 22 News reporter Claire Overton joins us live in studio with why donations decline in the summer. Ciara and Christina, the American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage as their demand is exceeding the supply. They say they have seen a steep decline in blood donations since the beginning of May, which is not unusual as just about every summer blood donations drop significantly when regular donors go on vacation or travel. America's Blood Center also saying 20% of all blood donations are from high schools and colleges who are currently on break. Lastly, the heat is also a reason for a decline as it causes dehydration which prevents people from donating. The American Red Cross Donation Center in Springfield is currently having an incentive for those to donate. Now through July 31st, those who donate will receive a free Fandango movie ticket. You can visit our website for the specific times each day. Working for you, Claire Overton, 22 News.