Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage After 25% Supply Drop, Urges North Iowa Donors

NORTH IOWA – The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25% in June, and the organization is urging North Iowa residents to schedule donations as summer giving continues to lag behind hospital demand.

Blood donations are far lower than needed as hospitals work to treat accident victims, cancer patients, people with chronic blood disorders and others, according to the Red Cross. The shortage is especially critical for platelets and for O-positive and B-negative blood types.

Red Cross officials said busy summer schedules and the seasonal pause in school blood drives have contributed to the decline. At the same time, hospital demand has climbed to nearly 3,500 units more per week than expected as trauma season peaks.

“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. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”

Those who donate now through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket valued up to $15, including fees, the Red Cross said.

Residents can schedule an appointment using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).