The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible to ensure lifesaving medical care is not impacted. Severe weather events across the country, including the remnants of Hurricane Debby, have forced the cancellation of dozens of blood drives in recent weeks, making it tougher for the blood supply to recover.
This summer’s record setting heat is a significant contributor to recent blood collection challenges impacting more than 100 blood drives in the last month — in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood — further compounding other typical seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as vacation travel and summer activities.
Meanwhile, hospital demand for lifesaving blood products has remained constant — rapidly drawing down the blood supply. The Red Cross is working with hospitals around the clock to meet the blood needs of patients. However, due to the supply of type O blood being so low, the organization has had to reduce distributions of this vital blood type in recent weeks to below hospital comfort levels.
All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood shortage. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supply.
About Blood Donation
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Click here for upcoming drives and information about our Blood Donation Centers. For most current drive information, please visit RedCrossBlood.org
