Media Contact: Bethany Bray Patterson

Telephone: 703-744-0343

Bethany.Patterson@redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross supply drops 25%

Donors urged to give as extreme heat, travel plans threaten already low blood levels

$20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for coming to give in August

Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Wilmington, Aug. 5, 2024 — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

Heat impacted more than 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

Who donations help

Marylander Teresa Tarlton knows firsthand how important a readily available blood supply is. A three-time cancer survivor, Tarlton has received dozens of blood and platelet transfusions while undergoing treatment, most recently for bone marrow cancer.

“I know that without the support of donors and staff at the Red Cross, I would not have survived,” says Tarlton, who works at the Red Cross blood processing center in Baltimore. “I am so glad those donors came in, and beyond that, the lab staff, volunteer drivers and everyone involved – there’s so many pieces to the puzzle. I know what’s behind each blood transfusion and I appreciate it.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities can be found by entering your ZIP code at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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