Public urged to donate blood
Shortage further strained by holiday weekend
Sarah McCullough donates blood at a Red Cross center in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 -- just one day after the American Red Cross declared its second-ever nationwide emergency shortage. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
A technician places donated blood in a centrifuge. (Photo courtesy of CBC)
This graphic was published on July 27, when the Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for the second time. (Image courtesy of Red Cross)
Sarah McCullough donates blood at a Red Cross center in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 -- just one day after the American Red Cross declared its second-ever nationwide emergency shortage. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
A technician places donated blood in a centrifuge. (Photo courtesy of CBC)
This graphic was published on July 27, when the Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for the second time. (Image courtesy of Red Cross)
Trending
ESCANABA - As an emergency blood shortage coincides with one of the year's busiest travel weekends, the American Red Cross, the Community Blood Center (CBC) and other organizations urge donors to give now.
All blood types carried by the Wisconsin-based CBC are reportedly in “critical need,” with multiple types at just a two-to-three-day supply on hand.
“Labor Day weekend is one of the most challenging times for the blood supply. Donations drop as people leave town, but the need for blood never takes a holiday,” read a release from the CBC issued Tuesday. “Local hospital patients constantly need transfusions during surgeries, emergencies, cancer care and more.”
This summer, for only the second time in history, the Red Cross declared a “national blood supply crisis.” They had less than a one-day supply of type O positive blood - the most commonly transfused - in late July and was forced to limit distribution of type O blood to ensure availability for patients in the most critical condition.
“Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand -- which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation's blood supply,” the Red Cross stated.
"We are asking all potential donors - both regular and first-time donors - to make a commitment to donate blood in the coming days and weeks," said John Hagins, speaking on behalf of a task force within the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. "Donating now, or making an appointment to donate soon, will help ensure that all patients throughout the country have access to the care they need."
Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, yet only about 3% of eligible Americans donate each year, according to the Red Cross. The donor base has declined by 40% over the past 20 years.
This past weekend, many local patients at hospitals the CBC supports needed extra emergency blood products, lowering the units available for everyday treatments and unexpected traumas, reported the Wisconsin-based nonprofit.
"As families enjoy the long weekend, local patients are still counting on us," said Hagins, President & CEO of The Community Blood Center. "Every donation with CBC helps provide blood products to patients in the communities we serve. Donating this Labor Day weekend is a simple way to make a lifesaving difference close to home."
September also happens to be National Preparedness Month, during which America’s Blood Centers “highlights the need to maintain a strong and diverse blood supply to ensure the availability of blood products in times of natural disasters and other crises.”
For every minute that a bleeding trauma patient experiences a delay in the administration of blood, their chances of mortality increase by five percent, reported the National Institutes of Health.
Blood donations are available for appointment now. People may find their local center and schedule to donate by visiting www.WhereToDonateBlood.org, www.americasblood.org or www.RedCrossBlood.org; an interested person may also call 301-907-6977, 202-393-5725 or 1-800-RED-CROSS to book an appointment.