Bethany Bump reports in the Times Union that the Red Cross is looking for blood donations because of an unusually high number of traumas, overdoses, and emergency room visits, and fewer donors across the country. All types of blood are needed, especially type O. “In addition, while summer is traditionally a time when blood donations decline, this year is particularly challenging as many Americans receive their vaccinations and resume summer activities after more than a year of limited interactions and travel, leading to lower donor turnout,” the Red Cross said in a press release June 28. Anyone donating blood to the Red Cross between July 7-31 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and be entered for a chance to win up to $5,000 worth of gas for a year. The Red Cross is holding blood donation drives locally June 30 at Cairo Town Hall from 1-6 p.m. Read more about this story in the Times Union.