The American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis Monday, warning that its supply of type O positive blood has fallen below a one-day national inventory and that summer donations are running at their lowest level in four years.
The shortfall has already caused the organization to restrict distributions of type O blood to hospitals, a step that can force providers to prioritize among patients awaiting transfusions. The Surgeon General's office has joined the Red Cross in calling on eligible donors to schedule appointments.
Type O accounts for roughly 60% of Red Cross blood distributions and is used in both routine care and emergency treatment. O positive, the most commonly transfused type, can be safely given to about 80% of patients, while O negative serves as the universal type used when a patient's blood type is unknown.
Blood demand generally rises during the summer months, but collections this year have failed to keep pace. Red Cross officials attributed the gap to extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses, each of which can reduce donor turnout or disqualify would-be donors, the organization said.
"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," READ MORE AT SOURCE »
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