Emergency Blood Shortage: Red Cross Supply Drops 25%

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans. Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

Heat impacted almost 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together these factors contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong. Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Right now, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.

“It’s critical hospitals have both type O positive and O negative blood ready to go for patients in the most life-threatening situations,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “Type O is especially important for victims of accidents and other trauma who are receiving emergency treatment. Now is the time for donors of all blood types to give and ensure hospital shelves can be restocked before any impact to patient care.”

The Red Cross is working with hospitals around-the-clock to meet the blood needs of patients – but can’t do it alone. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you, those who come give blood, platelets or plasma Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

Great Falls woman Denise Burk knows just how important a stable blood supply can be. In 2021, Burk was diagnosed with breast cancer, which ultimately caused anemia and led her to require several blood transfusions.

She is in remission and doing well today, thanks in no small part to the generosity of blood donors.

“I don’t think people realize the enormity of what that blood in the bag means” she said. “You don’t know whose life you are going to save when giving blood, so if you have the capability of donating blood, please remember the (Red Cross).”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities August 7-31:

• Bozeman, 8/7/2024: 11:30 AM - 6 PM, The Commons at American Red Cross Bozeman Blood Donor Center, 221 E. Oak St.

• Anaconda, 8/8/2024: 10:30 AM - 4 PM, Anaconda-Deer Lodge Public Health Department, 118 E. 7th St.

• Three Forks, 8/8/2024: 12 PM - 6:30 PM, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 601 5th Ave. E.

• Butte, 8/9/2024: 10 AM - 3:30 PM, Steeles Furniture Store, 800 S. Wyoming St.

• Bozeman, 8/9/2024: 9:30 AM - 2 PM, Billings Clinic Bozeman, 3905 Wellness Way

• Bozeman, 8/13/2024: 10 AM - 3 PM, HDR Engineering Community Blood Drive at American Red Cross Bozeman Blood Donor Center, 221 E. Oak St., Suite 1F and 1G

• Bozeman, 8/15/2024: 1 PM - 6 PM, Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 W. Graf St.

• Bozeman, 8/22/2024: 12 PM - 5 PM, Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue Department, 3041 Bozeman Trail Road

• Deer Lodge, 8/22/2024: 11 AM - 4 PM, Deer Lodge Community-Leaders Save Lives Blood Drive, 1100 Hollenback Lane

• Townsend, 8/22/2024: 12 PM - 5:30 PM, Mountain Valley Church, 110 E. St.

• Bozeman, 8/23/2024: 10 AM - 2:45 PM, Element Bozeman Hotel, 25 E. Mendenhall St.

• Bozeman, 8/27/2024: 10 AM - 2:30 PM, Bozeman Community Blood Drive at American Red Cross Bozeman Blood Donor Center, 221 E. Oak St., Suites 1F and 1G

• Bozeman, 8/28/2024: 10 AM - 4:15 PM, Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

• Belgrade, 8/29/2024: 11:30 AM - 6 PM, Shift Church, 119 S. Broadway

• Bozeman: 8/30/2024: 11 AM - 3:30 PM, Highgate Senior Living, 2219 W. Oak St.