NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood immediately after declaring a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history, citing critically low supplies that are affecting hospitals nationwide.
According to the Red Cross, blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening the seasonal shortage. While all blood types are needed, the organization said the need is especially urgent for Type O blood. Supplies of Type O-positive blood have fallen below a one-day supply, prompting the Red Cross to limit distributions of those blood products to hospitals.
The organization said thousands of donors have responded since the blood crisis was declared earlier this month, but donations continue to fall short of hospital demand.
The Red Cross said extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to lower donor turnout this summer.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As an incentive, donors who give blood through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued at up to $15 plus applicable fees. Those who donate Aug. 1-31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email, according to the Red Cross.
The organization said increasing donations now is critical to stabilizing the nation’s blood supply and ensuring hospitals have the blood products needed to care for patients requiring lifesaving transfusions.
