The American Red Cross declared Monday the second national blood supply crisis in its history, as the nonprofit says blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.
The organization, which supplies roughly 40% of the nation’s blood, said it’s looking for all types of blood—with an emphasis on type O blood—to prevent treatment delays. Donations this summer are not “keeping pace with hospital demand,” with the Red Cross citing extreme heat, poor air quality and foodborne illnesses as factors in the low donor turnout.
The organization said it currently has "less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood," and is consequently limiting distributions of the blood type to individual hospitals.
“The Red Cross takes its responsibility as the nation’s largest single provider of blood products incredibly seriously and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the blood supply for our hospital partners,” said Chris Hrouda, Red Cross Biomedical Services president, in a statement.
The first-ever national blood crisis was declared by the nonprofit in January 2022, when donations dropped 10% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hrouda said the organization implemented additional safeguards to prevent similar crises.
“But this summer, blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and inventories—especially type O blood — remain under significant strain,” Hrouda said. “Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.”
Appointments can be made using the organization’s Blood Donor App, visiting its website or calling 1-800-733-2767. Those who make donations by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket valued at up to $15 via email—and those who donate from Aug.1 to 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card via email.
Fierce Healthcare reached out to the American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association (AHA) and American Nurses Association (ANA) for comment.
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies’ Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism (AABB Disaster Task Force) urged blood donations in a July 28 advisory. The AABB Disaster Task Force, of which the AHA is a member, said hospitals and health systems should urge eligible individuals to make and keep donation appointments.
"Regular blood donations are a critical resource for hospitals and health systems to provide lifesaving care for their communities," the task force said. "When blood donations decline, the consequences are felt by patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions."