Red Cross Announces 25% Drop in Blood Supply Last Month

(Undated) — The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. According to the Red Cross, its national blood inventory plummeted more than 25% in July. They say this summer’s record-setting heat is a significant contributor, 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. The Red Cross says it 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.” Learn more about the donation process and where you can donate at redcrossblood.org.