Red Cross declares crisis over blood supply shortage in US for second time its history - BBC

What the report says

BBC News reports that the American Red Cross has declared a crisis over the US blood supply, saying national levels have fallen to one of the lowest points in the organization’s 150-year history. Dr Courtney Lawrence of the Red Cross told the BBC that donations have declined while hospital demand has risen, with supply levels dropping by about 25% in the past month.

The shortage comes during the summer, a period when hospitals often need more blood because of trauma cases linked to road crashes and outdoor injuries. The Red Cross, the largest single blood supplier in the United States and provider of roughly 40% of the national supply, is distributing about 3,500 more units than usual for this time of year, Lawrence said. She noted that blood cannot be stored indefinitely; donated blood generally must be used within 42 days.

According to the BBC, the Red Cross says all blood types are needed, with particular concern around O positive. Lawrence said some hospitals have been considering how shortages could affect routine procedures or whether trauma patients might have to be sent elsewhere if local supplies are too low. She attributed the worsening situation to several factors, including extreme heat, wildfires disrupting operations, fewer safe or comfortable donation settings, and food-borne illness outbreaks affecting potential donors.

The BBC added that this is only the second time the American Red Cross has made such a crisis declaration, after January 2022 during the Covid pandemic and severe winter weather. Canadian Blood Services has also reported a sharp summer decline in donations, though it said the cause in Canada is unclear.