Extreme heat partially to blame for blood shortage: Red Cross

The American Red Cross’s national blood inventory dropped by more than 25 percent in the month of July, driven in part by extreme heat throughout the country, the organization announced on Monday.

The organization now faces an emergency blood shortage, as nearly 100 blood drives – in almost every state the Red Cross operates – have faced heat-related challenges in just the last month alone.

Under extreme heat conditions, people are more likely to stay indoors, reducing the turnout at blood drives and often forcing their cancelations. The summer months often already face significant obstacles to maintaining the national blood supply, as people are more likely to travel or engage in summer activities.

At the same time, during the summer months, demand for blood and platelets remains constant, according to the Red Cross, thereby “rapidly drawing down the blood supply” – especially for type O blood.

“Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need,” Baia Lasky, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross, said in a press release.

“In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, like an individual in a car accident or a mom experiencing a severe postpartum hemorrhage, group O is the most commonly transfused blood type,” Lasky added.

Blood transfusions are often necessary following accidents, during surgeries and for those getting treatment for sickle cell disease and cancer.

Experts warn the threat of extreme weather will only continue in the days and weeks ahead. Extreme heat is expected to persist, and August kicks off peak Atlantic season, which the Red Cross noted is predicted to be an “extremely active” season.

The Red Cross, which continues to face the fewest number of people donating blood in the last 20 years, is asking the public to donate. The organization is incentivizing donations by offering a $20 Amazon gift card throughout the month of August.