The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage in Indiana, following a 25 percent decline in donations throughout the month of June. With the summer travel season in full swing and school blood drives on hiatus, the gap between the available blood supply and patient need is widening at an alarming rate.

Blood Shortage Details

Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are outlasting incoming donations by nearly 3,500 units per week. This shortage hits right at the peak of the summer trauma season, when emergency departments typically experience a higher demand for lifesaving blood products.

While all blood types are urgently needed to replenish the system, officials note the shortage is especially critical for platelets, type O-positive, and type B-negative blood. A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible, said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross.

The Red Cross is urging all eligible individuals to schedule an appointment immediately. To incentivize donors during this critical period, anyone who steps forward to give blood between July 13 and July 31, 2026, will receive a $15 Fandango movie ticket via email.

Appointments can be made through the free Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A comprehensive list of localized upcoming donation opportunities across Indiana is available online.

Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.