Red Cross declares blood supply shortage in the US, and it has happened only two times in its 150 year historyThe American Red Cross has officially declared a crisis level for the blood supply across the United States. Recommended VideosDr Courtney Lawrence, who works with the American Red Cross, highlighted that we are currently in a tough spot because this crisis is hitting during the summer. Red Cross declares crisis over blood supply shortage in US for second time its history https://t.co/CcT3c3z0Dj — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 29, 2026The situation is getting so tight that hospitals are starting to evaluate their options. On top of that, the Red Cross pointed to a unique situation involving “widespread food-borne illnesses” hitting the country, which appears to refer to the cyclosporiasis parasite. The only other time the American Red Cross declared a blood supply crisis was in January 2022, during the COVID pandemic and a period of severe winter weather.