A National Blood Supply Crisis

July 27, 2026

The American Red Cross declared its second national blood supply crisis after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.

The summer is typically a challenging time for blood donations, and “extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer,” officials said.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Where things stand:  The Red Cross has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood, which has led to limiting distribution to individual hospitals.
• Universal type:  Type O blood accounts for about 60 percent of Red Cross blood distributions because it is essential for everyday patient care and medical emergencies, officials said.
• What’s needed:  Three more donors at each blood drive this summer would stabilize the blood supply.
• Who can donate:  Per the Department of Health, most people can donate up to six times a year, if they are in good health and feeling well; are at least 16; and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.
  • Additional criteria may apply.
• Quotable:  “But this summer, blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and inventories—especially type O blood—remain under significant strain,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.”

Additional information about the blood supply crisis is available online.