# U.S. blood supply crisis deepens > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-blood-supply-shortage > Updated: 2026-08-25T12:58:30.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 10. The American Red Cross declared a second‑ever national blood‑supply emergency on 27 July 2026, as donations hit a four‑year summer low. By late July, overall inventories had dropped approximately 25% from the previous month, with type‑O‑positive units falling below a one‑day national supply. The Red Cross began limiting shipments of type O blood to hospitals to manage the scarcity. Factors contributing to the shortage include extreme heat, wildfires, food‑borne‑illness outbreaks, and poor air quality. The 42‑day shelf life of blood further limits the ability to stockpile. The crisis has prompted warnings from the U.S. Surgeon General and hospital officials regarding potential surgery delays and patient diversions. The shortage also impacts Canada, where inventories fell nearly 20% since June. Regional emergencies have emerged as the crisis persists. In New Jersey, New Jersey Blood Services declared two states of emergency following donation declines exacerbated by heat waves, severe storms, and power outages. State Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington has personally participated in donation drives to encourage public action. To stabilize the supply, the Red Cross and local agencies have utilized various incentives, including movie tickets, Amazon gift cards, and sweepstakes. Officials emphasize that because blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, the supply relies entirely on human donors for essential uses such as cancer treatments and trauma care. ## Claims - The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for the second time in its history. (corroborated by 7 sources) - US blood donations have dropped to a four‑year summer low, with overall supplies falling about a quarter in the past month. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Numerous blood‑drive events have been scheduled across U.S. locations, including many in Washington state. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Type O‑positive blood availability is now below a one‑day supply nationally. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Extreme heat, widespread wildfires and food‑borne illness outbreaks have reduced donor turnout. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Red Cross is limiting distribution of type O positive and O negative blood to hospitals. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Donated blood must be used within 42 days because it expires after that period. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Donors who give blood by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Donors who give blood in August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Blood donations can be scheduled via the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1‑800‑733‑2767. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: New Jersey health officials urge blood donations amid shortage New Jersey health officials are urging residents to donate blood as the state faces a significant shortage, mirroring a national emergency declared by the American Red Cross. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-health-officials-urge-blood-donations-amid-shortage ### 2026-08-03: American Red Cross Declares National Blood Supply Crisis The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, the second since 2022, citing record low donations and critical type O shortages, and urges immediate donor appointments. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-red-cross-declares-national-blood-supply-crisis-1 ### 2026-07-29: American Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis as Supplies Plummet The American Red Cross declares a second‑ever national blood crisis as O‑type supplies fall below one‑day levels; extreme heat, wildfires and food‑borne illness curb donations, prompting hospital delays and new 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-red-cross-declares-national-blood-supply-crisis ### 2026-07-27: American Red Cross declares national blood crisis as supplies dwindle The American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis as donations hit a four‑year low, with type O supplies below one‑day. It urges donors nationwide, offering a $15 movie ticket or $20 Amazon gift card as a 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-red-cross-declares-national-blood-crisis-urges-urgent-donations ### 2026-07-17: Blood Shortage Emergency Prompts Urgent Donor Appeals in US Bloodworks Northwest and the American Red Cross have declared emergency blood shortages, urging donors as supplies fall to under two days and 25% below norm, with incentives offered. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-shortage-emergency-prompts-urgent-donor-appeals-in-us ### 2026-07-15: American Red Cross warns of national blood shortage, urges donors The American Red Cross reports a 25% drop in U.S. blood supplies, especially O‑positive and B‑negative, and urges donors, offering incentives like free movie tickets and Amazon gift cards. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-red-cross-warns-of-national-blood-shortage-urges-donors ### 2026-07-15: Forked River, New Jersey Blood Drive Aims to Alleviate Regional Shortage A blood drive on July 21, 2026 in Forked River, NJ aims to ease a regional shortage affecting New Jersey and New York hospitals, urging donations for trauma, cancer, surgery and more. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forked-river-new-jersey-blood-drive-aims-to-alleviate-regional-shortage ### 2026-07-13: American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, urges donors nationwide The American Red Cross warns of a 25 % drop in U.S. blood supply, urging donors nationwide and offering a free movie‑ticket incentive to restore critical O‑positive, B‑negative and platelet stocks. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-red-cross-declares-national-blood-shortage-emergency ### 2026-07-09: Blood Shortages Prompt Emergencies in New Jersey and Across the United States New Jersey declares a blood emergency as supplies hit their lowest level since COVID, while Vitalant warns of a critical nationwide type O shortage, urging donors amid summer heat and holiday travel. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-shortages-prompt-emergencies-in-new-jersey-and-across-the-united-states ### 2026-06-19: U.S. Blood Supply Faces Shortage as Texas Summer Drought Lowers Donations A nationwide blood shortage, worsened by a Texas summer donor drought, leaves many counties with low O‑negative supplies and prompts new donor incentives. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-blood-supply-faces-shortage-as-texas-summer-drought-lowers-donations --- Cite as: U.S. blood supply crisis deepens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-blood-supply-shortage