Emergency declared as American Red Cross runs out of blood for life-saving donations READ MORE: 'Urgent' health fears as blood donation group hit by cyberattack By Luke Andrews Senior Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com Published: 11:27 EDT, 14 August 2024 | Updated: 12:50 EDT, 14 August 2024 e-mail 326 shares 6 View comments An emergency blood shortage has been declared in the US, with people urged to donate now in order to boost supplies. The American Red Cross said stocks had plummeted 25 percent in July, as extreme heat in much of the country led to fewer people turning up at donation centers.
At the same time, however, it said that demand from hospitals has remained constant — putting a significant strain on their stockpile. The organization — which is America's largest blood supplier — is appealing for donations of all blood types. But it is running particularly low on the O blood type, the most common, with stocks now below 'comfort' levels and distributions of this type being reduced.
The shortage has sparked concerns that patients may face delays in receiving blood transfusions, potentially putting their lives at risk. The Red Cross is the country's largest blood supplier, and is warning over a major drop in donations Every two seconds someone in the US needs a blood transfusion, with about 40,000 units of blood products needed daily — or about 120 bathtubs. Every year, more than 4.
5million Americans receive blood transfusions. Blood cannot be manufactured or s.