Red Cross Says It Suffers an Emergency Blood Shortage in Wake of July 4 Decline in Donations

The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood type – especially Type O – in the light of an emergency blood shortage after donations lagged during Fourth of July holiday week.

Last week, the number of blood drives organized by businesses and other community groups were 550 fewer compared to a typical week as individuals across the country celebrated the holiday and enjoyed summer activities. This could equate to about 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in.

“Each and every day, individuals across the country depend on blood and platelet donations for lifesaving treatments and emergency care, so it’s critical that people donate now to meet these needs,” Cliff Numark, senior vice president for Red Cross Blood Services, said. “Whether you’ve never donated or given a couple of times a year, you’re needed to give as soon as possible to help save patient lives. Yours may be the donation a patient is counting on.”

The Red Cross said this need is especially critical for type O blood donors, since Type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage.

Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

The Red Cross has added about 6,500 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors.

Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire, are available through www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html. The RapidPass online health history questionnaire help reduce the time it takes to donate.