Red Cross Urges Blood Donations Amid National Supply Crisis
DOVER (WJER) (July 31, 2026) – The American Red Cross is urging more people to give blood after declaring only the second national blood supply crisis in its history.
Northern Ohio Region Fleet and Facilities Supervisor Erica van Pelt says blood donations are down 25 percent nationwide, leaving supplies at a four-year summer low.
The Red Cross says the shortage could be eliminated if just three more people donated at each scheduled blood drive.
Extreme heat, wildfire smoke, summer travel, and recent illnesses have all contributed to fewer donations, while hospitals are using about 3,500 more units of blood each week than expected during the busy summer trauma season.
Donors can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.