Shoreview, Minnesota. American Red Cross blood donor center. (Photo by: Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis after blood donations this summer are at a four-year low and is now limiting distribution of type O blood to hospitals.
This is only the second time the Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. The other time was in January 2022.
Dig deeper:
The Red Cross says despite thousands donating blood, it is not keeping pace with hospitals’ demand for blood, which has increased during the summer trauma season and the extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout.
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Due to the blood shortage, the Red Cross says it now has less than a one-day national supply of type O-positive blood, which is the most commonly transfused blood type. Due to the shortage, the Red Cross says it is now limiting distribution of type O blood to hospitals.
What you can do:
The Red Cross is urging all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, the Red Cross says everyone who donates blood by July 31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to a $15 ticket price and fees) and those who donate Aug. 1–31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email.
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