National Blood Crisis Declared by American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, the only other time it has taken this step was in January 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Summer donations have dropped to a four-year low while hospital demand remains high, leaving the nation with less than a one-day supply of O-positive blood.

American Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis as Summer Donations Fall to Four-Year Low

Blood collection has been down for a fourth consecutive summer, a trend that began after the pandemic-related surge in 2022. Seasonal factors such as vacations and travel traditionally reduce donor turnout, compounding the shortfall.

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• Donations are at a four-year summer low.

The American Red Cross has officially declared a national blood crisis

• The Red Cross reports a nearly 25 % drop in the overall blood supply during June.

American Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis as Summer Donations Fall to Four-Year Low

• Hospital distributions are running about 3,500 units per week higher than expected.

American Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis as Summer Donations Fall to Four-Year Low

• Platelets, which have a five-day shelf life, are also in short supply.

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• July 27, 2026 – The Red Cross announced the crisis, warning that the nationwide supply had reached dangerously low levels.

American Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis as Summer Donations Fall to Four-Year Low

• August 25, 2026 – The Muscoda community will host a blood drive at St. John’s Catholic Church.

The American Red Cross has officially declared a national blood crisis

Christina Peters, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, said higher hospital demand combined with fewer donors created the current gap and emphasized the need for regular donations of all blood types, especially O-negative and O-positive. Jackie Grant, executive director for the American Red Cross, noted that some states, such as Virginia, are seeing improved donor turnout after targeted outreach.

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Donors across the country are responding. In Metro Detroit, Peggy Martin, a previous transfusion recipient, said she felt compelled to give after learning about the shortage. Local drives in Taylor and Ann Arbor quickly filled appointment slots, and incentives such as a $20 Amazon gift card for August donations have been offered.

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• “During an emergency like a car accident, doctors can transfuse type O-negative blood until they have time to type a patient's blood and determine what their type is,” — Christina Peters

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• “We need people to give on a regular basis, not only to keep our local blood supplies strong, but to be prepared,” — Christina Peters

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• “I’ve gotten blood transfusions before, but it’s my turn to give,” — Peggy Martin

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The shortage threatens the ability of hospitals to perform surgeries, treat cancer patients, and respond to trauma cases that require immediate transfusions. Because blood cannot be manufactured, the supply depends entirely on volunteer donors.

American Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis as Summer Donations Fall to Four-Year Low

The Red Cross urges eligible residents to schedule appointments through its online locator or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. In addition to the Muscoda drive, additional blood drives are planned at Gardner-White locations throughout Michigan and at community sites in other states. Donors who give during August are eligible for a $20 Amazon gift card and a coupon for a free pint of Culver’s custard. Ongoing outreach aims to sustain donor participation beyond the summer peak.

The American Red Cross has officially declared a national blood crisis