ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The American Red Cross says there is still an emergency national blood shortage with donations falling this summer. As News10NBC has reported, the national blood supply fell by 25% in July alone.

Ken Lee, director of the Greater Rochester Chapter of the Red Cross, said people need to step up and donate. He said giving one pint of blood can potentially save three lives.

“You giving blood can actually save the life of an individual. That’s why this is so important. There is no other way to produce what you can provide,” he said.

Lee gave examples of why people need blood including cancer treatment, complications after child birth, car crashes, and gunshot wounds. He said that, every three seconds on average, someone in the country is in need of blood.

“We need to make sure hospitals have access to blood when they need it. So, by giving blood, it allows hospitals to do the life-saving work,” he said.

Lee said that extreme weather across the country this summer led to some blood drives being canceled, worsening the shortage. Hurricane Debby led to nearly 60 blood drives being canceled.

The Red Cross is offering a $20 Amazon gift card to anyone who donates blood through Saturday. In addition, people who give blood from Sept. 1 through 15 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt.

In the Rochester area, there are some upcoming blood drives at the American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter on University Avenue, the Perinton Blood Donation Center, Webster Golf Club, Laurelton Fire Department on Empire Boulevard, and more.

To see a list of blood drives and to make an appointment, you can go to the Red Cross’ website. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or donate the Red Cross app.