Red Cross Declares National Blood Supply Crisis as Donations Hit 4-Year Low
The American Red Cross has declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis, meaning there is less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood. Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The American Red Cross has declared its second national blood supply crisis, warning that some patients could face delays in receiving lifesaving transfusions. The crisis was declared after…
The American Red Cross has declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis, indicating there is less than a day's supply of type O positive blood. The crisis was triggered by a four-year summer low in blood donations, leaving the organization with scarce resources. While hospitals must manage limited supplies, they do not halt transfusions.
Eligible donors can assist by scheduling a donation via RedCrossBlood.org, the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. The Red Cross warns that if donations do not increase, healthcare professionals will have to make tough decisions about patient transfusion priorities.
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