Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis, Second Time in Its History

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history, warning that blood donations have plummeted to a four-year summer low.

The severe shortage comes at a critical time of year. Summer is traditionally known in health care as “trauma season,” when the demand for blood spikes alongside higher rates of accidents and emergency medical procedures.

“What that means is we are seeing a significant drop in the amount of folks that are coming in to donate this summer,” said Sam Solberg, a regional communications manager for the American Red Cross.

“At the same time, we have a lot of folks in need at the hospital right now of blood.”

Officials attribute the steep decline to a unique combination of summer challenges, including extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread outbreaks of foodborne illnesses that have kept potential donors at home.

Amanda Lieser of St. Louis Park donated blood during a recent event at Under Pressure Brewing in Golden Valley.

Local Effort to Fill the Void

To combat the national shortfall, mobile donation units are fanning out across the Twin Cities. At a recent donation event at Under Pressure Brewing in Golden Valley, local residents stepped up to help replenish the supply.

For donor Amanda Lieser, giving blood is personal—and a milestone.

“I started donating when I was 17 when my mom had breast cancer and someone donated blood for her. I thought I could do it,” said Lieser, a donor from St. Louis Park. “It was really scary that first time because you never know what you’re going to expect.”

Her latest donation marked a major achievement: her 15th gallon donated.

How You Can Help

The American Red Cross notes that the need is currently most dire for Type O blood, the universal blood type most critical for emergency rooms.

To encourage more people to step forward, anyone who donates through the Red Cross this month will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

To find a drive near you or to schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

Related: New Maple Grove Blood Donation Center Aims To Increase Giving

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