Red Cross Says Blood Supplies Are Dangerously Low This Summer

The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm about an emergency blood shortage nationwide.

A steep decline in blood donations has created a growing gap between supply and patient need after the national blood supply fell about 25% in June.

The Red Cross says blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, as summer often brings an increased need for blood for trauma care at the same time as a steep decline in donations.

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All blood types are needed. This shortage is especially serious for O-positive and B-negative blood, as well as AB plasma.

Giving blood is easy.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Book an appointment now to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, all who come to give July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found here.

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