American Red Cross declares national blood crisis amid severe shortage

DALLAS - The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, asking anyone who can to donate immediately.

National Blood Crisis

What we know:

According to the nonprofit, blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low.

It’s so low that the Red Cross is currently limiting the distribution of blood to hospitals, which impacts mothers giving birth, patients experiencing chronic illness, and people who have suffered accidents.

All blood types are needed. But the situation is especially dire for Type O blood. There’s less than a one-day supply on hand.

What they're saying:

"This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions," said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. "If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season."

Local perspective:

On Monday, there were only a few people giving blood at the Red Cross's Irving Blood and Platelet Donation Center.

"This year in June, we actually, our donations declined 25%, which is higher than normal. So we are now at a point instead of having multiple days of back stock in the shelves, we now just have a day. So it really is a dire crisis situation at this point," said Linda Braddy, the CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas Region.

Someone who knows the importance of blood donations all too well is Red Cross employee Alexis Gonzalez. Last November, the 31-year-old communication manager woke up in excruciating pain and ended up in the hospital.

"It persisted for days. And as soon as I walked into the hospital, they did let me know I had severe anemia and three blood clots in my veins connected to my liver," she said.

Gonzalez needed a blood transfusion immediately.

"Just sitting there in that moment, just all the work I had done had come full circle without me knowing it was going to happen. It felt so special. I wouldn't be here without those donors," she said. "I am so thankful for folks who do step up, roll up their sleeves, take that time of their day, you know. It's such a selfless act."

What you can do:

Anyone who donates before July 31 will receive a free Fandango movie ticket. Donors during the month of August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

To find a donation center near you, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

HealthDallas