Regional Emergency Blood Shortage Declared as Red Cross Supply Plummets

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage as its national blood supply has fallen by over 25% since July 1. On Monday, the organization called for local blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, to give as soon as possible.

Extreme heat has impacted nearly 100 blood drives in July across almost every state where the American Red Cross collects blood. 

This, combined with other seasonal activites like summer travel, has led to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations last month.

Hospital demand for blood products remains strong, with blood being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Type O inventory is so low that distributions are reduced below what hospitals count on.

Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the American Red Cross, emphasized the critical need for type O blood. 

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” he said.

The American Red Cross said it is working around-the-clock with hospitals to meet patient needs but requires public support. Donors can schedule appointments through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, website, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

As an incentive, donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma in August will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Details are available on the American Red Cross website.

Christina Rodriguez, a mother who has required multiple blood transfusions during childbirth, shared her personal experience. “I couldn’t imagine my son living without a mom,” Rodriguez said. She added, “It’s so important to donate blood or to receive blood. It can make such a big difference in your health; you need it to survive. You need it to be around for your family.”

Rodriguez experienced hemorrhaging and blood loss during three separate pregnancies, highlighting the ongoing need for blood donations.

The American Red Cross stressed that all blood types are needed, with a particular urgency for platelet donors and type O blood donors. The organization emphasized that having blood on the shelves is crucial for emergency situations.

In Pasadena, multiple blood donation opportunities are available throughout August at the Pasadena Blood Donation Center. Additional drives are scheduled locally at locations such as Rusnak Auto Group and Providence Christian College.

Here is a complete schedule:

8/7/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/8/2024: 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/9/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/10/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/11/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/12/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/13/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/14/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/15/2024: 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/16/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/17/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/18/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/19/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/20/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/21/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/22/2024: 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/23/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/24/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/25/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/26/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/27/2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rusnak, 325 West Colorado Blvd

8/27/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/28/2024: 12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/29/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Providence Christian College, 464 E Walnut St

8/29/2024: 11 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/29/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., La County ERA, 300 N Lake Ave

8/30/2024: 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103

8/31/2024: 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Pasadena Blood Donation Center, 2471 E. Walnut St, Suite 103