Red Cross Sounds Alarm Over Critical Shortage of Blood Supply

WHO:

Fox News - The American Red Cross is the organization declaring the blood crisis.

Fast Company - Chris Hrouda is the president of Red Cross Biomedical Services.

WHAT:

Fox News - The American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis due to a significant drop in donations.

Fast Company - This is the second national blood crisis declared by the Red Cross in the past five years.

Fast Company - The current blood supply is at less than a one-day national supply of type O blood.

Fast Company - Type O blood accounts for about 60% of blood distributions.

Fast Company - The Red Cross is offering a $20 gift card to Amazon and a free movie ticket valued at up to $15 from Fandango to encourage donations.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The Red Cross is based in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The Red Cross first declared a national blood crisis in January 2022.

WHY:

Fast Company - Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, which is insufficient for the elevated demand typical of summertime.

Fast Company - Factors contributing to lower donor turnout include extreme heat, poor air quality, and a Cyclospora outbreak.

Fast Company - The Red Cross aims to ensure blood is available for patients facing critical and life-threatening emergencies.

HOW:

Fast Company - The Red Cross has implemented measures such as hospitals scheduling about 65% of their anticipated blood needs in advance to prevent future crises.

Fast Company - People can schedule blood donations through the Blood Donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 19:27 UTC)

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis due to a significant drop in donations, marking the second such crisis in the past five years. Currently, the blood supply is at less than a one-day national supply of type O blood, which accounts for about 60% of blood distributions, and to encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives like a $20 Amazon gift card and a free movie ticket. To help address this issue, individuals can schedule blood donations through the Blood Donor app, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.