LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The American Red Cross has declared a national blood emergency, only the second in the organization's 145-year history.
The Red Cross said the country's blood supply has dropped to about a two-day supply, leaving a shortage of roughly 39,000 donations. That's the lowest it has dropped since the organization declared its first blood supply crisis in January 2022.
The organization said several factors are driving the shortage. Extreme heat has made it harder to hold blood drives and many regular donors are away on summer vacations.
Hospitals are also seeing in uptick in patients needing blood, which typically happens during the summer when people are more active.
The Red Cross is urging anyone who is eligible to donate blood as soon as possible. People can schedule an appointment at their nearest Red Cross donation center or through the Red Cross app.
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