Red Cross Declares National Blood Supply Crisis as Donations Hit 4-Year Low

The American Red Cross has declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis, meaning there is less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood. Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The American Red Cross has declared its second national blood supply crisis, warning that some patients could face delays in receiving lifesaving transfusions. The crisis was declared after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, leaving the organization with less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood. Blood shortages don’t mean hospitals stop transfusions, but they do require hospitals to carefully manage limited supplies. Eligible donors can help by scheduling a blood donation at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis after donations fell to a four-year summer low, raising concerns that some patients could face delays in receiving lifesaving transfusions. At the time of the announcement, the organization had less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood available and had begun limiting shipments to hospitals. “If more donor…