Dr. American Red Cross employee Courtney Lawrence explained that factors such as wildfires and extreme heat came together to create the current situation. It was reported that inventories had fallen by a quarter in the last month alone.
It was found that hospitals' blood demand increased due to the increase in traffic accidents and injuries related to outdoor activities during the summer months. It was stated that the American Red Cross, which supplies about 40 percent of the total blood needs in the United States, distributed about 3,500 units more blood than normal compared to this period of the year and current supplies have fallen to very low levels.
Donated blood must be used within 42 days because blood cells deteriorate over time. Long-term storage is not possible due to limited stock availability.
An urgent appeal for donations was made for all blood groups.
It was announced that donations would be needed for all blood types, but there was a severe shortage of supplies, particularly for blood type 0 Rh-positive. Dr. Lawrence explained that some hospitals, unable to maintain sufficient supplies, are considering referring emergencies to other trauma centers.
It was reported that mass blood donation events were canceled due to extreme heat citing inability to ensure a safe environment, wildfires dividing resources, and foodborne epidemics across the country negatively impacting donations.
The American Red Cross declared the first blood supply crisis in its history in January 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic and severe winter conditions took effect.
On the other hand, the Canadian Blood Services statement revealed that blood supplies in Canada have declined by about 20 percent since the beginning of June and appointment registrations remain well below the summer average.
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