The U.S. is facing a blood shortage crisis
The U.S. is facing a blood shortage crisis.
The American Red Cross declared the national blood supply crisis this week, urging people to sign up for immediate blood donations.
The organization is the largest single provider of blood in the U.S., and they now have less than a one-day supply of type O-positive blood.
In a press release the Red Cross said extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are all contributing to a four-year summer low for blood donations. The last time the American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis was in January 2022 during the COVID pandemic.
The Red Cross is urging all eligible donors to give blood as soon as possible, especially those with type O blood. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-Red Cross for more information.
Jessica Merrill, director of communications at the American Red Cross spoke with PBS News on why this situation is so dire.
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