The American Red Cross has declared a "crisis level" blood shortage, a rare designation the organization has issued only once before in its history. The current situation marks the lowest summer blood supply in four years, with inventories significantly strained, particularly for Type O positive blood.

This critical shortage means the Red Cross has had to limit the distribution of Type O blood to hospitals, prioritizing its use for the most severe, life-threatening emergencies nationwide. Type O positive is the most commonly used blood type and is compatible with most other blood types, making it essential for urgent situations where blood type confirmation may not be feasible.

"This summer, blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and inventories — especially type O blood — remain under significant strain," said Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, in a statement. "Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible."

The shortage is attributed to a confluence of factors. Summer months typically see a decrease in donations as students are out of school and many individuals are on vacation or traveling. This year, extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses have further deterred potential donors. Simultaneously, the summer season often sees an increase in serious physical injuries from car accidents and outdoor activities, leading to a higher demand for blood transfusions.

Beyond emergencies, the constant need for blood for surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and management of chronic conditions like anemia, leukemia, and kidney disease continues year-round. On average, someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion every two seconds.

While all blood types are needed, Type O accounts for approximately 60% of the Red Cross's distributions. Maintaining adequate supplies of other blood types is also crucial to reserve Type O for patients who need it most.

To be eligible to donate whole blood, individuals must be in good health, at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Common reasons for deferral include colds, flu, low iron levels, recent travel to malaria-risk areas, or certain medications.

The Red Cross is urging all eligible donors to schedule an appointment to give blood as soon as possible. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The organization encourages scheduling donations in the coming weeks to help replenish and stabilize the national blood supply. Donors who contribute in August will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card via email.