Heat, Illnesses and Vacations Fuel Red Cross's National Blood Crisis

The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis—the second in its history—as donations fell to a four-year summer low. While summer typically brings shortages due to vacations and higher injury risk, extreme heat, poor air quality and the spread of foodborne illnesses further reduced donor turnout, leaving less than a one-day supply of O-positive blood and prompting limited distributions to hospitals; the organization urged eligible donors to book appointments.