Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Red Cross of Virginia is asking for blood donations as it deals with an emergency blood shortage.

Jonathan McNamara, Director of Communications at the Red Cross, says the organization is down to less than a day’s supply of highly-needed blood types.

"At the Red Cross, in an ideal state, we would have a five-day supply of key blood types on hand,” he said. “Right now, we're less than a day's supply and that's where you get the notion of an emergency blood shortage for the Red Cross and other blood suppliers across the country.”

McNamara says there tends to be a slowdown in donations in the summer months, but this summer has been particularly slow. Extreme heat across the country led to over 100 blood drive cancellations throughout the month of July.

"You combine that with what we're seeing now with a hurricane impacting the south, which we know will have a significant impact on the number of blood drives that are canceled -- that ripple effect has had a real impact on the Red Cross, impacting close to 25% of the blood supply," McNamara said.

People, especially those with type O blood, are being urged to donate.

You can register to donate online or on the Red Cross app. The Red Cross is offering $20 gift cards to donors in August.