The U.S. is running low on blood. Here's why that's dangerous
A sudden drop in U.S. blood donations has triggered a national emergency, putting surgeries and emergency care at risk.
The reporting (6)
- American Red Cross declares national blood crisis: How it’s impacting Northeast Ohio FOX 8 News · 9h ago
- Johnston woman donates 11th gallon of blood as Red Cross faces emergency shortage KCCI · 9h ago
- American Red Cross declares national emergency as blood supply runs low The Independent · 9h ago
- What’s driving the American Red Cross’s second-ever national blood crisis? The Washington Post · 9h ago
- Red Cross requests blood donations to address crisis NBC Bay Area · 9h ago
- Red Cross declares national blood crisis as donations drop, in part due to cyclosporiasis WOODTV.com · 9h ago
The brief
The shortage stems from a sudden plunge in donations that has pushed the American Red Cross to declare a national emergency, the organization’s second such crisis. The Washington Post notes this is only the second national blood crisis in the Red Cross’s history, underscoring the severity.
With hospitals urging urgent donations, the next step hinges on whether public health messaging can reverse the decline.
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Quick answers
What triggered the national blood emergency?
A sharp decline in blood donations, partly linked to a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, prompted the Red Cross to declare an emergency.
How many times has the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis?
Coverage indicates this is the second national blood crisis in the Red Cross’s history.
Which outlets reported the Red Cross’s request for donations?
NBC Bay Area reported the Red Cross’s appeal for urgent blood donations.
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