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Red Cross Declares Second-Ever US Blood Crisis
newser.com • • business
Key Points:
- The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis for only the second time in its history, reporting less than a day's worth of type O positive blood and rationing it to hospitals.
- Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low amid increased hospital demand during the summer trauma season, exacerbated by extreme heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illnesses reducing donor turnout.
- The Surgeon General's Office warns that ongoing shortages could delay surgeries and disrupt emergency and trauma care across the country.
- To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives like Fandango movie tickets through July and $20 Amazon gift cards in August, with donors able to schedule appointments online or by phone.
- Red Cross representatives emphasize the importance of donating, noting common misconceptions about eligibility and highlighting that one donation can save multiple lives.
