Overview
- The American Red Cross announced the emergency on Monday after its national supply fell nearly 25% in June and donations dropped sharply since late May.
- Red Cross distributions to hospitals are running roughly 3,500 units higher per week than expected, producing a growing gap between supply and patient need.
- Platelets and specific types—O positive, B negative and AB plasma—are especially scarce, and platelets must be used within about five days of donation.
- Some regional centers have declared local emergencies as inventories fell to critically low levels, including the Rhode Island Blood Center reporting less than a two-day supply.
- The Red Cross supplies about 40% of U.S. blood; it is offering Fandango movie-ticket vouchers for donors who give through July 31 and is urging eligible people to book appointments via the Blood Donor App, RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED-CROSS.