American Red Cross declares second national blood crisis in history as type O positive supply drops below one day

2 min readJul 30, 2026 03:03 PM IST The American Red Cross declared a critical US blood supply shortage—only the second time in its 150-year history—after levels dropped by 25% in a single month. (File Photo/Canva)The American Red Cross, for the second time in its history, declared a blood supply “crisis” in the United

A blood supply shortage in the US has reached a "crisis" level, according to the American Red Cross, which says it is the second time in its 150-year history that levels have been this low.

Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low.

Critical shortage: Red Cross declares second-ever blood supply crisis  USA Today

Fewer donations and higher demand has seen a supply shortage worsen, the American Red Cross tells the BBC.

Extreme heat, poor air quality and foodborne illnesses have discouraged Americans from donating blood, leaving the US in a crisis.

The disaster relief nonprofit is specifically seeking type O donors, as their blood is the most widely compatible