A Vitalant blood drive will be held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the south gym at Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive.

Vitalant is the nonprofit blood provider for all the hospitals in Maricopa County and 90% statewide. As a blood shortage emergency continues, Vitalant is asking all eligible donors to schedule a blood donation to prevent treatment delays for patients who need lifesaving transfusions, according to a release.

Make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-258-4825.

“The ongoing summer drop in blood donations since May has sharply reduced the available blood supply for patients by more than 25%, resulting in a less than three-day supply of most blood types. Maintaining an adequate blood supply is critical to helping patients after accidents and other emergencies and to treat cancer and other chronic diseases,” the release states.

All blood types are needed, but especially type O, the most transfused blood type. O-negative can be used to help any patient in an emergency and O-positive can support anyone with a positive blood type.