The Red Cross Declares Second-Ever Blood Supply Crisis
The need is urgent—but officials say just three more donors per donation site could stabilize the ongoing supply situation. The post The Red Cross Declares Second-Ever Blood Supply Crisis appeared first on The Healthy.
The Red Cross says that summer is the worst time for blood shortages, due to busy, unpredictable schedules and what they call “summer trauma season.” In 2026, the national blood supply this year has reached a record low—but a $20 gift card could be incentive to give.
On July 27, the American Red Cross declared only the second national blood supply crisis in the organization’s history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.
The Red Cross says the first blood supply level crisis took place in early 2022. Even with updated measures implemented to prevent another emergency, the organization says “this summer’s elevated demand and persistent collections challenges have still pushed the national blood supply to crisis levels.” That demand has been driven by “extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses” contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, the organization noted in their July 27 announcement.
The good news: They say just three more donors at each blood drive this summer can end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, commented, “Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.”
How to get involved
Those who donate Aug. 1–31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email. Because there’s a desperate need for all type O donors—with the Red Cross website currently stating that these donations “are needed immediately to ensure lifesaving patient care is available”—there’s an extra $10 gift card offer for those individuals.
Additional details about both offers are available at RedCrossBlood.org.
The Red Cross says type O positive blood is especially needed as “the most commonly transfused.” To help ensure blood is available for patients facing the most critical, life-threatening emergencies across the country, the organization began limiting distributions of type O blood to individual hospitals.
They note that “thousands of people [are] answering the call to give”—but blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand.
Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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The post The Red Cross Declares Second-Ever Blood Supply Crisis appeared first on The Healthy.