The American Red Cross declared a national blood emergency on July 13, 2026, following a nearly 25% drop in the national blood supply during June 2026. The organization reported that the shortfall has created a weekly deficit of approximately 3,500 units of blood, threatening the ability of hospitals to provide timely care for patients requiring transfusions.

The Red Cross identified blood types O positive and B negative, as well as AB plasma, as experiencing especially serious shortages. O positive blood can be given to over 80% of people, making it the most commonly transfused type. B negative blood is far rarer, present in only 2% of the population, and individuals with this type can only receive B negative or O negative blood.

Courtney Lawrence, division chief medical officer for the American Red Cross, said the June decline has placed critical strain on the supply chain. "The blood supply fell nearly 25% during the month of June, so we're letting blood donors know that they're urgently needed to give now so that helps ensure that patients are going to receive the lifesaving medical care that they need in the hospitals without delay," Lawrence said. She added that summer typically challenges donations but emphasized that patient needs do not diminish: "Summer always brings challenges for the blood supply, but patients are still in the hospital, needing blood for critical medical care."

Heidi Ruster, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah and Nevada region, noted the seasonal timing has worsened the crisis. "This is one of the most difficult times of year to maintain a stable blood supply, and the sharp decline in donations has made the shortage more severe," Ruster said. The Red Cross attributes the drop to busy summer schedules, temporary illness, and the loss of school-based blood drives during summer break.

The organization defined the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the "summer trauma season," when demand for blood to treat injuries often rises. Platelet donations, which must be used within five days of collection, are particularly vital, with a majority going to cancer patients. Whole blood donations must be used within 42 days, limiting the ability to stockpile reserves. A Red Cross survey found that less than 20% of respondents understood blood’s limited shelf life, though roughly half believed they or someone close to them would likely need blood someday.

To encourage immediate donations, the Red Cross is offering Fandango Movie Tickets valued up to $15, delivered by email to donors giving at participating locations between July 13 and July 31, 2026. Eligible donors must generally be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. High school students and donors 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight criteria.

Why It Matters

The Red Cross, the National Red Cross Society in the United States since its founding in 1881, supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. The current emergency follows a pattern of seasonal shortages, but the nearly 25% drop in June represents an acute escalation. Without sufficient donations, the organization warns that emergency rooms, maternity wards, and cancer treatment centers may face delays in delivering critical care.