The American Red Cross (RedCrossBlood.org) is urging eligible donors to give blood immediately to help overcome an emergency blood shortage. The blood supply dropped nearly 25% in June, creating a growing gap between available donations and hospital demand. The shortage comes during the height of summer trauma season, when hospitals often see an increase in serious injuries, accidents and medical emergencies that require lifesaving blood transfusions.
Red Cross officials report that blood distributions to hospitals are currently nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. At the same time, donations have declined due to busy summer schedules, temporary illnesses and the end of the school year, which resulted in approximately 38,000 fewer donations from young donors between April and June.
Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled. It must be continually replenished because it has a limited shelf life, with some products such as platelets lasting only a few days. A stable blood supply is essential for emergency rooms, cancer treatments, surgeries, maternity care and other critical medical services.
The Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to help rebuild the blood supply by scheduling an appointment today through the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).