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The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage this summer, for only the second time in the organization’s 145-year history.
It issued an urgent nationwide request for donations Monday, asking people, including Bay Area residents, to book blood donation appointments soon.
All blood types are needed, especially type O blood, which is in limited supply because the nonprofit currently has less than a one-day supply on hand.
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood to hospitals and health care facilities for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries.
“If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season,” said Paul Sullivan, a spokesperson for donor services at the Red Cross.
The Red Cross said thousands of people have donated since the emergency was announced earlier in July, but donations still are not keeping up with hospital demand.
Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, according to the nonprofit.
In Redwood City, the Redwood City Woman’s Club has worked to support the region’s blood supply through a partnership with Stanford Blood Center. Since 2021, the club has hosted quarterly community blood drives at its clubhouse, collecting 491 units of blood, enough to help an estimated 1,473 patients, according to the organization.
Blood collected by Stanford Blood Center supports hospitals throughout the region, including Stanford Health Care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the Stanford Cancer Center in San Jose, Tri-Valley hospitals and other community hospitals.
There are many upcoming opportunities to donate blood in San Mateo County and across the Bay Area.
Appointments with the Red Cross can be booked using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. As a thank-you, donors who give blood by July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket. In August, the Red Cross will instead offer donors a $20 Amazon gift card.
The Redwood City Woman’s Club’s next blood drive with Stanford Blood Center is scheduled for Nov. 6 at the club’s clubhouse. Appointments will be available through the Stanford Blood Center website.
