American Red Cross declares national blood emergency

(WWAY) — The nation’s blood supply is shrinking just as hospitals enter summer trauma season, when emergency rooms often see a surge in patients with serious injuries from car crashes, outdoor recreation, and other summertime emergencies.

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June.

Hospitals are preparing for increased demand, blood donations have dropped dramatically, creating a dangerous gap that could threaten patient care.

Currently, Red Cross blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. On top of that, a steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need.

The organization says busy schedules, temporary illnesses, and the seasonal loss of school blood drives during summer break are driving the decline in donations, which could put patient care at risk if not reversed.

Trauma patients are among the largest users of donated blood, and a single crash victim can require up to 100 units of blood. Without immediate action, trauma patients, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, and people with sickle cell disease or cancer could face serious risks.

The Red Cross says securing blood donation appointments in July is essential to maintaining a healthy supply of every blood type for patients who depend on lifesaving transfusions.

To encourage donations, the organization is offering anyone who donates blood between July 13 and July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket.