The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis, the second in its history. This crisis is due to blood donations not keeping up with hospital demand. The Red Cross is limiting its distribution of type O blood to hospitals, with only a day’s supply available.

Local Impact

In Tarrant County, the Red Cross supplies around 40% of the nation’s blood. Donations collected locally can be sent to help patients in other parts of the United States. The Red Cross also maintains the country’s rare blood bank.

Linda Braddy, CEO for the North Texas region, emphasized the critical need for donations. ‘When it comes to our type O blood supply, we only have a day’s supply on the shelves, which normally we have multiple days,’ she said. ‘It’s very critical right now.’ Braddy noted that the blood supply typically drops during the summer due to potential donors being out of their routine, as well as extreme heat and cyclosporiasis contributing to fewer donation appointments.

Although donors of all blood types are always needed, type O blood is especially sought after. Nearly half of the population has type O positive blood, and patients of all blood types can receive O negative blood. When there is not enough blood, hospitals may have to postpone elective surgeries, and cancer patients may have their treatment delayed.

One blood donation can save multiple lives. The blood donation process takes about an hour, with the actual drawing of blood taking only about 10 minutes. Those interested in donating can sign up through the Red Cross’ blood donor mobile app, on their website, or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Braddy stressed the importance of every person making a difference. ‘Right now, we know that if only three more donors would come to each blood drive this summer, then that would stabilize the blood supply — just three people,’ she said.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.