CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood crisis in its history, citing a severe drop in donations that has pushed the nation’s blood supply to a four-year summer low.
The organization said the emergency shortage is already affecting hospitals across the country, with type-O blood supplies becoming especially critical. As a result, the Red Cross is now limiting the distribution of type-O blood products to hospitals in an effort to manage the dwindling inventory.
Health officials are urging residents in the Charlottesville area to consider donating blood as soon as possible to help ensure lifesaving blood products remain available for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments and chronic illnesses.
While all blood types are urgently needed, donors with type-O blood are especially encouraged to schedule an appointment. Type O negative blood is often used in trauma situations because it can be given to patients of any blood type, making it one of the most in-demand blood products during emergencies.
The Red Cross says summer is traditionally a challenging time for blood collections as schools are out of session, regular donors travel, and severe weather can disrupt scheduled blood drives. This year’s decline has created one of the organization’s most significant shortages in recent history.
Red Cross workers say that in addition to donating blood, community members can help by encouraging friends, family and coworkers to donate, sharing information about the blood crisis on social media, or organizing a virtual blood drive through the Red Cross to recruit additional donors.
The Red Cross is asking anyone who is eligible to schedule a donation appointment as soon as possible, saying every donation has the potential to help save multiple lives.
Residents can find a nearby blood drive or donation center and schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross website or the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
