Summer 2026 Emergency Blood Shortage
Summer 2026 Emergency Blood Shortage
Today the American Red Cross is alerting the public about an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the height of trauma season, when hospitals frequently see increased demand for blood due to serious injuries and other medical emergencies.
A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. The shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay.
You can help the Red Cross overcome this shortage:
- Schedule your blood or platelet donation today using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- Use the attached talking points and the partner online guide, which includes social media graphics, to encourage friends, family members and your social networks to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets in the coming days and weeks.
- Consider hosting a Red Cross blood drive. If you know of someone who is willing to sponsor a blood drive, please ask them to submit their information at RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
- If you are a member of a local community organization, please consider sharing an email message with the group encouraging them to give now.
Thank you for your support.
Online Guide
Summer 2026 Emergency Blood Shortage
For use July 13-Aug. 16, 2026
Help amplify messages from American Red Cross social media channels:
| Facebook: | @RedCrossBlood | X: | @RedCross |
| Instagram: | @RedCrossBlood | LinkedIn: | American Red Cross |
| Threads: | @AmericanRedCross | TikTok | @AmericanRedCross |
Post messages on your social media:
The messages and downloadable graphics below are for use on social networks and may be used to guide online conversations in your own words. Feel free to tag our social media accounts in your posts. Additional timely social content is available in the Blood Program Leader Updates on RedCrossBlood.org.
 Multiple sizes |
Post 1: Emergency blood shortage: The Red Cross blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors — especially those with types O+ & B- blood — and platelet donors are urgently needed to help ensure lifesaving medical care isn't delayed for patients. Book now: https://rcblood.org/donate |
 Multiple sizes |
Post 2: Help the Red Cross overcome an emergency blood shortage so patient care isn't at risk! Without lifesaving blood, emergency rooms can't function; maternity wards can't operate; cancer patients must wait. Your blood donation is urgently needed now. Give: https://rcblood.org/donate |
 Multiple sizes |
Post 3: Help end the blood shortage! Donors of all blood types — especially those with types O+ & B- blood — are needed now to help reverse a dangerous drop in the Red Cross blood supply. Book now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care: https://rcblood.org/donate |
 Multiple sizes |
Post 4 – For drives July 13-31: El suministro de sangre de la Cruz Roja disminuyó casi un 25 % en junio. Por ello, se requiere con urgencia la colaboración de todos los donantes de sangre; tu ayuda es crucial para que los pacientes reciban atención sin retrasos. Agenda tu cita: www.RedCrossBlood.org/espanol |
Multiple sizes |
Post 5 – For drives July 13-31: Lights, camera, take action. The Red Cross needs your help now to overcome an emergency blood shortage. Hurry in to give blood or platelets July 13-31 and receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email in thanks (up to $15 ticket price & fees). Book a time ASAP: https://rcblood.org/48SCWN8 |
Multiple sizes |
Post 6 – For drives Aug. 1-16: Emergency blood shortage! Your donation is essential to keep lifesaving treatments going for patients who can’t wait. The Red Cross will say thanks with a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come give Aug. 1-31. Hurry in to give: https://rcblood.org/4giL3GZ |
Multiple sizes |
Post 7 – For drives July 13-31: Ayudar a enfrentar la escasez de sangre puede tomar menos tiempo que ver una película. Ven a donar sangre con la Cruz Roja del 13 al 31 de julio y recibe por correo electrónico una entrada de cine de Fandango (hasta $15, boleto y cargos incluidos). Haz tu cita: https://rcblood.org/4wtY3OU |
 Multiple sizes |
Post 8 – For drives Aug. 1-16: Tu donación puede ayudar a enfrentar la escasez de sangre. Ven a donar sangre o plaquetas con la Cruz Roja del 1 al 31 de agosto y recibe por correo electrónico una Tarjeta de Regalo de Amazon de $20. ¡Hoy puedes hacer la diferencia! Agenda aquí: https://rcblood.org/44kTL0n |
