Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross supply drops 25%

Donors urged to give as extreme heat, travel plans threaten already low blood levels $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for coming to give in August  

VIRGINIA, Aug. 5, 2024 — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the  nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the  Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially  those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical  care.

Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these  factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand  for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are  coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below  what hospitals count on.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially  important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for  donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.” 

The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t  do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit  RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).