By Llisa Pillivant
The American Red Cross has issued only the second national blood crisis declaration in its history, warning that blood donations have fallen to their lowest summer levels in four years and urging eligible donors to give immediately.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage has become so severe that supplies of Type O positive blood have dropped to less than a one-day supply, forcing the organization to limit shipments of some blood products to hospitals. While all blood types are needed, officials say Type O blood—which is the most commonly transfused in emergencies—is in especially short supply.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the American Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”
The Red Cross says extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to fewer people donating blood during the summer months, even as hospitals continue to require a steady supply for surgeries, trauma patients, cancer treatments and other lifesaving medical care.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for eligible donors:
- Those who donate through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email (up to a $15 value).
- Donors who give between 1 and Aug. 31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming Blood Drives in Orange County
Port Jervis
- July 28: 1–6 p.m., Port Jervis Elks Lodge 645, 35 U.S. Route 6
- July 31: 1–5 p.m., Bon Secours Community Hospital, 160 E. Main St.
Newburgh
- July 30: Noon–5 p.m., Newburgh Armory Unity Center, 321 S. William St.
New Windsor
- July 31: 1–5 p.m., New Windsor Community, 555 Union Ave.
- 8: 8 a.m.–Noon, American Legion Post 1796, 29 Walnut St.
Middletown
- 5: 1–5 p.m., Town of Wallkill Community Center, 7–9 Wes Warren Dr.
Goshen
- 7: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Goshen Christian Reformed Church, 2448 Route 17A.
Greenwood Lake
- 10: 1–6 p.m., B’nai Torah Shul, 14 Lakes Road.
Monroe
- 15: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 21 Still Road.
The American Red Cross supplies approximately 40% of the nation’s blood supply and depends on volunteer donors to help meet the daily needs of hospitals across the country. Officials say a single blood donation can help save multiple lives and encourage anyone who is eligible to make an appointment as soon as possible.
