The American Red Cross announced on Monday August 5, 2024, that St. Louis and the nation are experiencing a critical blood shortage. According to the Red Cross, the national blood supply had a staggering decrease of over 25% in July.
Factors for the blood shortage include the extreme heat and storms in this region and other parts of the country leading to blood drive cancellations.
The seasonal drop in blood donations because prospective and repeat donors are busy with summer activities is also contributing to the shortage.
Black blood donors are particularly important to patients with rare blood types who often need blood donated by someone with a similar race or ethnicity.
For example, one in three African American blood donors are a match for people living with sickle cell disease.
Donors with Type O blood are the most needed right now, according to the Red Cross. Type O is the most common blood type, meaning that most people in need of blood will need type O blood.
Also, those with an O negative blood type are “universal donors,” meaning their donations can be used in transfusions for any patient with any blood type.
Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Volunteers who donate before Sept. 1, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card via email. For more information, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.