The American Red Cross (ARC) has declared the second-ever national blood supply crisis after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. On Monday, the 145-year-old non-profit, which is the largest single provider of blood products in the United States, reported that it now has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood, the most commonly transfused blood type.
Impact of blood type O positive shortage
Type O positive blood accounts for approximately 60% of the ARC's blood distributions and is used in everyday patient care as well as medical emergencies. According to the ARC, it can be given to about 80% of patients. The organization emphasized that just three additional donors at each blood drive this summer could end the crisis and stabilize the blood supply.
Causes of the decline
“Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand – which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation’s blood supply,” the ARC stated, apparently referring to the cyclosporiasis outbreak suspected to have affected over 11,500 people across the US.
Need for all blood types
The ARC also stressed the need for a strong supply of every blood type. “When hospitals have adequate supplies of A, B and AB blood, they can provide patients with blood that matches their blood type whenever possible. This preserves type O blood for patients with type O blood and for life-threatening emergencies, when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type,” it said.
Broader concerns and past crisis
This summer's crisis follows the first national blood crisis in 2022, which was driven largely by the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme weather events. The ARC is not alone in raising concerns; earlier this month, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism stated that the US blood supply was “significantly lower than it should be.” Additionally, the Connecticut Blood Center and the non-profit blood services provider Vitalant declared emergencies on blood supply shortages.
Donation eligibility and statistics
According to America's Blood Centers, approximately 62% of the US population, roughly 212 million people, is eligible to donate blood. However, only 3% donate each year. The ARC urges eligible donors to schedule appointments to help alleviate the crisis.
