American Red Cross declares second national blood supply crisis

The American Red Cross has issued its second-ever national blood supply crisis declaration, citing donations at a four-year summer low. The organization, the largest single provider of blood products in the U.S., now holds less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood, the most common type transfused and crucial for everyday patient care and emergencies. This blood type can be administered to approximately 80% of patients.

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Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand – which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation’s blood supply.

Despite increased efforts to encourage donations, the supply is not meeting hospital demand, which typically rises during the summer trauma season. The Red Cross points to extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses as factors deterring donors this summer. These conditions are further straining the nation's blood reserves, exacerbating the existing shortage.

Just a slight increase in donors at each blood drive could alleviate the crisis. The Red Cross emphasizes the need for all blood types, explaining that maintaining adequate supplies of A, B, and AB blood allows for matching patients whenever possible. This strategy preserves type O blood for those who need it and for critical, time-sensitive emergencies. This summer's shortage follows a similar crisis in 2022, largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events.

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Just three additional donors at each blood drive this summer can end the crisis and stabilize the blood supply.

Concerns about the U.S. blood supply are shared by other organizations. The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies recently reported significantly lower-than-ideal blood levels. Both the Connecticut Blood Center and Vitalant have also declared emergencies due to shortages. Despite a large eligible donor pool, only about 3% of the U.S. population donates blood annually.

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When hospitals have adequate supplies of A, B and AB blood, they can provide patients with blood that matches their blood type whenever possible. This preserves type O blood for patients with type O blood and for life-threatening emergencies, when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type.