Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (July 13, 2026) — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as hospital requests continue to outpace available blood supplies nationwide. The Red Cross national blood supply has dropped by about 25% in the past month, potentially putting trauma victims, cancer patients and others who rely on transfusions at risk without an immediate increase in donations. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood.

A sharp decline in blood donations since late May has widened the gap between available blood and hospital need. The Red Cross is now supplying hospitals nationwide with nearly 3,500 more units of blood each week than expected as emergency rooms often treat more patients with serious injuries during the summer months. Busy summer schedules and fewer school blood drives during the summer break have contributed to the drop in donations, putting further pressure on the blood supply.

“This is one of the most difficult times of year to maintain a stable blood supply, and the sharp decline in donations has made the shortage more severe,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Blood cannot be manufactured or stored indefinitely. We need donors to make appointments now so hospitals have blood available when patients need it.”

The most important way to help address the blood shortage is to make an appointment to give blood through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All Nevadans who come to give blood July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, up to $15 ticket price and fees. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July.

Critical Need for Type O Positive, B Negative and Platelet Donors
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O positive and B negative blood. There is also an urgent need for platelet donors.

Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to most patients with a positive blood type, which includes more than 80% of the population. B negative is found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from donors with the same type or O negative blood.

Platelets are in constant demand, with more than half of donated platelets going to cancer patients. Platelets must be used within five days of donation, so regular donations are important to help maintain the supply.

The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Locally, nearly 20 hospitals across Southern Nevada depend on Red Cross donations. To meet patient needs, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations daily.

Blood Supply Misconceptions
Every blood donation is important to rebuilding the nation’s blood supply, yet many people may not realize the impact a single donation can have. A recent Red Cross survey found a gap between public perception and the reality of the nation’s blood supply.

Fewer than 1 in 5 respondents knew blood has a limited shelf life and cannot be stockpiled. Red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation, and platelets must be used within five days, making a steady supply of volunteer donors essential.

Only about half of respondents believed it was very likely they or someone close to them would need blood someday, even though someone in the United States receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.