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American Red Cross declares national blood emergency
The nonprofit said hospitals need 3,500 more units a week than expected as summer trauma cases rise and donor turnout falls.
- On Monday, July 13, 2026, the American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June.
- The 'summer trauma season,' running from Memorial Day through Labor Day, compounds a steep decline in donations since late May driven by summer travel and school closures.
- Distributions to hospitals are running nearly 3,500 units higher weekly than expected, with critical shortages for platelets, type O positive, and B negative blood; donors receive a $15 Fandango movie ticket through July 31.
- Approximately 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease face treatment interruptions, while Dr. Courtney Lawrence, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross, warned that emergency departments and maternity wards could be paralyzed.
- A recent Red Cross survey revealed fewer than one in five respondents understood blood cannot be stockpiled due to limited shelf life, underscoring the critical need for constant volunteer replenishment.
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Brainerd Dispatch+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage
Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O+ and B
·Brainerd, United States
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Total News Sources110
Leaning Left9Leaning Right6Center74Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Center
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
83% Center
C 83%
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