Red Cross Requests Blood Donations To Address Crisis

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage this summer, for only the second time in the 145-year history of the organization. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood to hospitals and healthcare facilities for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. The Red Cross said thousands of people have donated since the emergency was announced earlier in July, but donations still aren’t keeping up with hospital demand. AdvertisementAppointments can be booked using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. In August, the Red Cross will instead offer donors a $20 Amazon gift card.