Emergency blood shortage: Red Cross supply drops 25%

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans.

Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25 percent, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong.

Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations. Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care,” Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, said.

The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients—but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma August 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Atlantic County from now through August 31:

Absecon

8/14/2024: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Beacon Evangelical Free Church, 420 6th Avenue

8/24/2024: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., United Methodist Church, 100 Pitney Road

8/28/2024: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Absecon Presbyterian Church, 208 New Jersey Ave.

Atlantic City

8/23/2024: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tropicana Atlantic City Havana Tower, 2831 Boardwalk Avenue

Brigantine

8/18/2024: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., VFW Post 6964, 121 31st Street

Egg Harbor Twp.

8/25/2024: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Atlanticare Life Center, 2500 English Creek Avenue

Galloway

8/17/2024: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 328 East Great Creek Road

Hammonton

8/14/2024: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Anthony’s of Padua, 285 Route 206

Linwood

8/27/2024: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Masonic Lodge Linwood, 808 Shore Rd

Margate City

8/20/2024: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 501 N. Jerome Avenue

Northfield

8/19/2024: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Harvey D. Johnson American Legion Post 295, 232 W. Mill Road

Somers Point

8/21/2024: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way