American Red Cross Declares Blood Supply Crisis for Second Time in History

The American Red Cross has declared a blood supply crisis in the United States for only the second time in its 150-year history, warning that critically low blood inventories are jeopardizing patient care across the country.

Supply levels dropped by a quarter in just the past month, and the crisis has struck during the summer months when hospital demand for blood typically increases due to more car accidents, outdoor injuries, and trauma cases requiring transfusions.

What Happened?

The American Red Cross — the largest single blood supplier in the United States, providing approximately 40% of the nation’s blood supply — is currently distributing about 3,500 more units per day than normal for this time of year. Dr. Courtney Lawrence of the American Red Cross told the BBC that the organization is having to dip “very, very low into our blood inventory” to meet demand.

Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot be stockpiled indefinitely. Donated blood has a finite shelf life of just 42 days because blood cells degrade over time. This means that even when donations are strong, maintaining adequate supply requires consistent, ongoing donor turnout.

Why Is This Happening?

Several factors have converged to create this crisis:

• Extreme heat: Record-high temperatures across much of the United States this summer have made people more selective about venturing outdoors. This has reduced walk-in donations and forced some planned blood drives to cancel or scale back due to safety concerns.
• Wildfires: An increased number of wildfires has diverted emergency resources and disrupted blood collection operations in affected regions.
• Widespread foodborne illness: The Red Cross noted a unique factor — widespread outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe gastrointestinal illness, have further strained the blood supply.
• Increased demand: Summer months naturally see higher blood usage due to more trauma cases, vehicle accidents, and outdoor activity-related injuries requiring transfusions.

First Time Since COVID-19

The only previous time the American Red Cross declared a blood supply crisis was in January 2022, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of severe winter weather. The fact that this declaration has been made for only the second time in the organization’s 150-year history underscores the severity of the current situation.

What Blood Types Are Needed?

Supplies of every blood type are urgently needed, but the organization emphasized a particular need for O positive blood, which is the most commonly requested blood type by hospitals.

Dr. Lawrence warned that hospitals have already begun discussing contingency measures. Some trauma centers are evaluating whether they may need to divert patients to other facilities if they cannot maintain adequate blood supplies for emergencies. Routine surgical procedures could also face delays or cancellations.

Canada Also Affected

The blood supply crisis is not limited to the United States. Canadian Blood Services reported that blood supplies in Canada have declined by nearly 20% since the start of June. Appointment bookings have fallen short by 1,500 to 2,500 each week over the past six weeks, forcing a draw on existing inventory.

“There are now limited days on hand of several blood types — levels that are not sustainable for patient care should this trend not reverse itself,” Canadian Blood Services said in a statement. Unlike the United States, however, Canadian officials said the reason for the drop in donations there remains unknown.

How You Can Help

Blood donation is a simple, safe process that takes about an hour from start to finish. The Red Cross urges eligible individuals to schedule appointments at local donation centers or community blood drives. One donation can save up to three lives, and with the current crisis, every donation counts more than ever.

To find a blood drive near you, visit the American Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does donated blood last?

Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days. Platelets last only 5 days, and plasma can be frozen for up to one year.

Who can donate blood?

In most cases, healthy adults aged 17 or older (16 with parental consent in some states) who weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg) are eligible to donate blood. Requirements may vary slightly by location.

Is it safe to donate blood?

Yes. Blood donation is a safe medical procedure. Sterile, single-use equipment is used for each donor, eliminating any risk of infection from the donation process.

How often can I donate blood?

Whole blood donors can give blood every 56 days (8 weeks). Platelet donors can donate more frequently — every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.

Will the blood shortage affect surgeries?

Some hospitals have expressed concern that the crisis could impact routine operations and may need to reconsider whether elective procedures can proceed as scheduled. Trauma centers may also need to divert patients if blood inventories fall too low.