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The American Red Cross declares a national blood supply crisis as donations fall to a four-year summer low.

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, marking the second time in its 150-year history that levels have reached such a low point. The organization, which provides approximately 40% of the blood for 2,500 hospitals across the country, reported that blood supplies dropped by 25% in June alone. This shortage is driven by a surge in demand during the summer trauma season and a decline in donations caused by extreme heat, wildfires, and widespread food-borne illnesses. Dr. Courtney Lawrence of the American Red Cross noted that the crisis has forced hospitals to prioritize life-or-death situations, potentially delaying scheduled procedures. The organization specifically highlighted a critical need for O-positive blood, which accounts for the majority of distributions, and O-negative blood, which is used first in trauma cases. To stabilize the supply, the American Red Cross stated that just three additional donors at every blood drive could resolve the current shortage. While the US faces this crisis, Canadian Blood Services also reported a significant decline in donations, though the lack of specific reasons for the drop in Canada is currently unknown.

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