The American Red Cross has declared a "blood crisis" across the nation.The organization released a warning about the second-ever blood supply crisis this week after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.This decline worsens an emergency shortage that "threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country," the organization wrote in a press release.MICROPLASTICS DETECTED IN MOST HEART ATTACK PATIENTS' BLOOD IN STARTLING NEW STUDYThe Red Cross is now limiting distributions of type O blood to hospitals, as the nation’s largest single provider of blood products now has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood.Type O blood accounts for about 60% of Red Cross blood distributions and is essential for both everyday patient care and medical emergencies.A volunteer is pictured donating blood during an American Red Cross blood drive at Hollywood's Magic Castle in Los Angeles, California, July 28, 2026.(Getty Images)Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type, according to the Red Cross, and can be safely given to about 80% of patients. Type O negative remains the universal blood type "relied upon when every second counts."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERWhile thousands of Americans show up to donate blood, these donations are reportedly not keeping up with hospital demand during summer trauma season.This summer’s conditions, amid extreme heat, poor air quality and foodborne illnesses, have contributed to lower donor turnout, the Red Cross reported.
Other blood collectors have also reported critical shortages this summer.A clinician deposits a blood collection tube during an American Red Cross blood drive at Hollywood's Magic Castle on July 28, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Getty Images)The Red Cross advised that just three more donors at each blood drive can end the crisis and stabilize the blood supply.It encourages Americans to book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCr...