BOISE — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after its blood supply fell nearly 25 percent in June.

The shortage is especially bad for O positive and B negative blood types, according to a news release from the Red Cross. Blood donors are needed to ensure patients are still able to receive the lifesaving medical care they need as quickly as possible.

The decline in blood donations has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Red Cross distributions are currently 3,500 units higher per week than expected during a time when hospitals see higher demand for blood. Busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives are also driving the decline.

Every donation is needed to rebuild the nation's blood supply, but many people are not aware of the impact a single donation has on a patient in need. According to a recent Red Cross survey, there is a significant gap between public perception and the reality of the nation's blood supply.

According to the survey, about one in five respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because of its limited shelf life and must be constantly restored. The survey also showed that only about half of respondents believed they or someone close to them would need blood one day. In the United States, someone receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.

Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross, said in the news release that a readily available blood supply is the backbone of modern medicine and that without it, lifesaving treatments are not possible.

"Emergency departments, operating rooms and labor and delivery units can't support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait," Lawrence said in the news release. "We're asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions."

Anyone interested in making a donation can schedule an appointment through the Blood Donor App, online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767. The website shows appointment times and locations by ZIP code.

Donors who come in for the rest of the month will receive a Fandango movie ticket, up to a $15 ticket price and fees.