American Red Cross declares national blood crisis as supplies dwindle
The American Red Cross announced a national blood crisis – the second such declaration in its history – after blood donations fell to a four‑year summer low across the United States. Supplies of type O positive blood have dropped below a one‑day supply, prompting the organisation to limit distribution of type O positive and O negative blood to hospitals.
The Red Cross urged immediate donations, offering a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15 for donations made by July 31 and a $20 Amazon gift card for donations made in August. Donors can schedule appointments through the Blood Donor App, the Red Cross website (RedCrossBlood.org) or by calling 1‑800‑733‑2767. A series of blood‑drive events has been scheduled nationwide, with numerous locations listed in Washington state and other U.S. communities.
Entities: American Red Cross · Beaver County · Blood Donor App · Heidi Ruster · Paul Sullivan · US hospitals · type O blood
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Blood donations have fallen to a four‑year summer low nationwide. (American Red Cross data cited by news outlets)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Red Cross is limiting distribution of type O positive and O negative blood to hospitals. (Red Cross communications)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis, the second in its history. (American Red Cross press releases and multiple news reports)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Donors who give blood in August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. (Red Cross donor incentive program)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Donors who give blood by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15. (Red Cross donor incentive program)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Numerous blood‑drive events have been scheduled across U.S. locations, including many in Washington state. (Local news listings of Red Cross drives)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Supply of type O positive blood has dropped below a one‑day supply. (American Red Cross statements)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Blood donations can be scheduled via the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1‑800‑733‑2767. (Red Cross donor instructions)