UPDATE: LANSING - As of this summer, the American Red Cross is under nationwide critical appeal.

The organization is experiencing its lowest amount of blood donations in more than 12 years, and with the current heat wave sweeping the country, Red Cross officials fear the hot weather is keeping people from visiting their local chapters to donate.

Steven Burger, the donor recruitment representative at the American Red Cross in Lansing, says, "There is no substitute for blood" and it is important to come in to donate.

The Red Cross is in need of any and all blood types.

ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - The Red Cross is in critical need of blood donations.