On July 27, 2026 the American Red Cross announced its second national blood supply shortage, a crisis unprecedented in the organization’s history. The previous shortage was announced in January 2022.

The shortage is focused around rapidly dropping levels of Type O blood available for hospital distribution. Type O is the most common blood type distributed to hospitals for blood transfusions following lifesaving procedures and emergency surgeries. Type O negative is considered the universal blood type and is often used in the most critical of emergencies when there isn’t time to identify the patient’s blood type. Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and can safely be given to about 80% of patients.

During what the Red Cross website refers to as the “summer trauma season”, hospital demand for blood donations rise across the country. However, extreme heat and foodborne illnesses such as the cyclospora lettuce outbreak this summer have greatly reduced donor turnout numbers, putting an extra strain on the blood supply. Because of this the Red Cross has begun limiting its Type O distributions to hospitals in order to save it for the most critical situations.

“The Red Cross takes its responsibility as the nation’s largest single provider of blood products incredibly seriously and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the blood supply for our hospital partners,” said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Following our first-ever national blood crisis in 2022, we put additional safeguards in place to help prevent a crisis like that from happening again. But this summer, blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and inventories — especially type O blood — remain under significant strain. Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.” 

According to the Red Cross, just three more donors at each blood drive this summer could end the shortage and stabilize the blood supply.

Extra incentives are also being added to attract possible donors. Anyone who donates during the month of August will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card as a thank you for their contribution.

Donations can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.