CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage across the nation. Rising temperatures and summer travel plans are contributing to a decline in blood donations. Since July 1, 2024, the national blood supply has dropped by more than 25%. The Red Cross calls for blood donors of all types, especially – those with type O blood – to donate immediately.
This summer, extreme heat has forced the cancellation of over 100 blood drives across nearly every state. Combined with seasonal travel, this has led to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July alone. Currently, type O blood inventory is very low, forcing reductions in distributions far below what hospitals anticipated.
“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” emphasized Dr. Eric Gehrie, Executive Physician Director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially crucial for victims of accidents and other trauma receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves are restocked before patient care is compromised.”
The Red Cross urges the public to spread the word about this urgent need for blood. To schedule your appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).