The American Red Cross announced an emergency blood shortage and distributions of certain blood types are being reduced as the national inventory “plummets” Skip to content PEOPLE ...

The Red Cross last declared a blood shortage 18 months ago, Welch said, which was related to the COVID-19 pandemic as numerous drives were canceled or faced shorter hours and more restrictions.

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage after extreme heat impacted blood drives last month. The national supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1, the Red Cross said.