WILMINGTON — The American Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive for Tuesday at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Lumberton.

The drive will take place 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the store, which is located at 5060 Fayetteville Road.

The American Red Cross is scheduling blood drives throughout North Carolina in an effort to meet the shortage of all blood types, especially type O.

Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in critical situations.

“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Maya Franklin, of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”

All those who donate blood or platelets Monday through Aug. 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Restrictions apply. See amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.

Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give now using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.