NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply dropped nearly 25% in June, prompting an urgent call for donors to help replenish inventories and ensure hospitals can continue providing lifesaving care.
The organization said blood donations have declined sharply since the end of May, creating a widening gap between available blood and patient needs. The shortage is particularly severe for platelets and Type O positive and Type B negative blood.
According to the Red Cross, hospitals are receiving nearly 3,500 more units of blood each week than anticipated during a period when demand typically increases because of trauma-related injuries. The organization said busy summer schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives have contributed to the decline.
The Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to schedule appointments through the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As an incentive, those who donate blood between July 13 and July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued at up to $15 plus fees.
The Red Cross also said many people underestimate the importance of regular blood donations. A recent survey found fewer than one in five respondents knew blood cannot be stockpiled because of its limited shelf life, while only about half believed they or someone close to them would one day need a blood transfusion, even though someone in the United States receives one every two seconds.
“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”
