American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, urges donors nationwide

The American Red Cross announced an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s supply fell nearly 25 percent in June. Hospital distributions are running about 3,500 units above expectations each week, and the shortage is most acute for platelets, type O‑positive and type B‑negative blood. The shortfall follows a steep decline in donations since the end of May, driven by summer travel, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives during the “summer trauma season.”

The Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule appointments immediately through its Blood Donor App, the Red Cross website or 1‑800‑RED‑CROSS. Donors who give between July 13 and July 31 will receive a complimentary Fandango movie‑ticket voucher (up to $15). “A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross.

Hospitals such as Mayo Clinic are also reporting critically low levels of type O‑positive and type O‑negative units. Regional centers, including the Rhode Island Blood Center, have warned that inventories have dropped below a two‑day supply. Across the United States, blood centers and hospitals are seeking volunteers to replenish the dwindling stores and avoid delays in emergency, surgical and cancer treatments.