American Red Cross officials in Southern California have announced a near crisis due to a shortage in blood supplies. If supplies are not replenished, the Red Cross will lack the blood types needed for treating trauma patients and newborns.

As incentive to donate blood, the Red Cross is offering a chance to enter a daily drawing to win a $100 gift card for gasoline until September 7.

By Amanda Gardner
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. blood collection centers face a conundrum: At a time of decreasing blood donations, a new study shows that an important source of current and future donations, 16- and 17-year-olds, are more likely to bruise, faint or experience other complications when they donate.

That means this critical pool of young donors may be less likely to give in the future, experts say.