The Brief The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis after summer donations dropped to a four-year low, forcing limits on blood sent to hospitals. The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, asking anyone who can to donate immediately. National Blood CrisisWhat we know:According to the nonprofit, blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low. So it really is a dire crisis situation at this point," said Linda Braddy, the CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas Region. Someone who knows the importance of blood donations all too well is Red Cross employee Alexis Gonzalez.