Red Cross declares national blood crisis

The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis on July 27, 2026, for only the second time in its history. Donations have fallen to a four-year summer low due to extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses, while hospital demand rises during the summer trauma season. The Red Cross has less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood and has begun limiting distributions to hospitals. The organization is urging donations and offering incentives such as movie tickets and Amazon gift cards. The only previous crisis was in January 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.