Red Cross declares crisis over blood supply shortage in US for second time its history
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, marking only the second time in its history that levels have reached such a critical low. Factors including extreme heat and wildfires have disrupted donation efforts, forcing hospitals to consider delaying routine procedures.
Why it matters
A sustained blood shortage threatens the stability of the healthcare system, potentially impacting emergency trauma care and elective surgeries across the United States.
Image source, Getty Images By Ana Faguy Published 30 minutes ago A blood supply shortage in the US has reached a "crisis" level, according to the American Red Cross, which says it is the second time in its 150-year history that levels have been this low.
Factors including wildfires and extreme heat have combined to create the current situation, Dr Courtney Lawrence, who works with the American Red Cross, told the BBC.
Supply levels dropped by a quarter just last month. The crisis has struck during summer, when the amount of blood needed by hospitals typically increases.
That is because of an increased number of car accidents and more people spending time outdoors, resulting in more injuries that require blood transfusions, Lawrence said.
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