Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, urges donors to give immediately
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after its national blood supply dropped nearly 25% in June, prompting an urgent call for donors to help prevent disruptions to patient care. The organization said donations have declined sharply since the end of May, creating a widening gap between available blood supplies and hospital demand. The shortage is particularly severe for O-positive and B-negative blood types. According to the Red Cross, hospitals are receiving nearly 3,500 more units of blood per week than anticipated during what is ...