The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, the second in its history, following a significant drop in donations to a four-year summer low. The 145-year-old non-profit, which is the largest single provider of blood products in the United States, stated on Monday that it currently holds less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood, which is the most commonly transfused blood type.
Type O positive blood accounts for approximately 60% of the American Red Cross's blood distributions and is vital for both everyday patient care and medical emergencies. It can be administered to around 80% of patients.
The American Red Cross attributes the reduced donor turnout this summer to factors such as extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses, including a suspected cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting over 11,500 people across the US. The organisation suggests that just three additional donors at each blood drive could help to end the crisis and stabilise the blood supply.
This current crisis follows the first national blood crisis in 2022, which was largely influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic and severe weather events. Other organisations, including the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism, have also expressed concerns about the US blood supply shortage.