Red Cross Blood Supply Drops By 25%, Declaring Blood Emergency

As the U.S. faces dangerous heat going into August, the American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage across the nation.

Since July 1st, the Red Cross says that the national blood supply has dropped by 25% due to the impacts of recent heat waves. More than 100 blood drives were affected in the month of July alone. Combined with seasonal obstacles, primarily traveling, the Red Cross fell short of their estimated blood goal by 19,000 donations. Blood products are beating actual blood bags to the hospital. Donors of all blood types are urged to give as soon as possible.

“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. “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.”

Upcoming blood drives will be available throughout the month of August in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Tioga, Tompkins, and Susquehanna County. For more information, click HERE.