The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply emergency following a sharp decline in blood donations, warning that current supplies have dropped to their lowest summer levels in four years.
The humanitarian organisation said hospitals across the United States are facing increasing demand for blood during the annual “summer trauma season,” while donations have failed to keep pace. This marks only the second time in the Red Cross’ 85-year history of blood collection that it has declared a national blood supply crisis. The first occurred in January 2022.
According to the organisation, extreme weather conditions, poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke, and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to fewer people donating blood this summer.
The Red Cross noted that type O blood donors are urgently needed because their blood is the most compatible for emergency transfusions. It revealed that its national inventory of type O positive blood has fallen to less than a one-day supply, forcing it to limit shipments of the blood type to hospitals.
Type O blood accounts for about 60 percent of the blood supplied by the Red Cross to hospitals. While type O positive can be transfused to approximately 80 percent of patients, type O negative is considered the universal donor type and can be given to nearly everyone in emergencies.
Chris Hrouda, President of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said that although the organisation introduced additional safeguards after the 2022 blood crisis, the current rate of donations has again fallen behind hospital demand.
He appealed to all eligible donors to schedule appointments as soon as possible, stressing that every blood donation has the potential to save lives.
The Red Cross also said that adding just three more donors at each blood drive this summer would be enough to end the current blood supply crisis.
To encourage participation, the organisation announced incentives for donors. Individuals who donate blood before the end of July will receive a complimentary Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15, while those who donate during August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.
Eligible donors can book appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, its official website, or by calling the organisation’s donor hotline.
