National blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1.

DETROIT (Aug. 5, 2024) – Facing an emergency blood shortage, the American Red Cross is urging people to give blood now to help ensure patients in Michigan and across the country receive lifesaving medical care. For new moms and newborns, having blood on hospital shelves can be a lifesaver should complications arise during or after delivery.

Melissa Destross, a registered nurse in the labor and delivery unit at a local hospital, can’t fathom the unthinkable of empty shelves.   

“Working in the medical field and working with patients who critically need a blood transfusion, I can’t imagine blood not being available for someone I cared about and needed it, especially a new mom or an infant that was needing a transfusion,” she said. “I’ve seen moms in a hemorrhage situation, post-delivery, have massive blood transfusions, like blood losses over seven liters.”

Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%. Blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urgently needed. Type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are below what hospitals count on. The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients.

“It’s critical that hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Barry Siegfried, M.D, medical director of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “Type O is especially important for people injured in accidents and other trauma who receive emergency care. Donors of all blood types can help ensure hospital shelves are restocked to prevent patient care from being impacted.”

Destross, a resident of Troy and mother of two children, has type O blood and donated at a Red Cross blood drive last week.

“It’s something simple you can do,” she said. “The family that was hosting did a wonderful job. They were so friendly. It was really nice.”

Extreme heat waves have impacted almost 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. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in.

Destross was inspired by her mother to donate and  often accompanied her to blood drives when she was younger. She enjoyed sitting at the snack table after her mother donated, sipping juice boxes and munching on crackers. These days, Destross is a frequent donor. Last week’s donation marked her 26th.

Working in the healthcare field is a constant reminder for Destross that donating blood save lives. She encourages people who are eligible to give blood to step forward and help those in need.“

If it was your family member who was in an accident or was having a surgery or was having a baby, and a unit of blood, two units, three units, whatever, could save them and it wasn’t available,” she said, “how would that make you feel when it’s something that takes only an hour?”

To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). People can donate at a Red Cross blood drive or one of its donation centers located through Michigan.As a thank-you, those who donate through Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

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.