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9mo ago

Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage After 25% Drop in Supply

Record-breaking heat and summer activities have led to the cancellation of over 100 blood drives, exacerbating the nationwide shortage.

Katie Albright of Waukesha donates blood. Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha hosted a blood drive on Good Friday conducted by a team from Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin on April 10, 2020.
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A blood donor at the American Red Cross on April 12, 2023 in Louisville, Ky.

Overview

  • The American Red Cross' blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1.
  • Extreme heat waves have forced the cancellation of blood drives across nearly every state.
  • Hospitals are receiving blood faster than donations are coming in, causing critical shortages.
  • Type O blood is in particularly high demand due to its universal donor status and prevalence.
  • Donors who give blood by August 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card as an incentive.