LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage after its national blood supply dropped by about 25% in the past month, the organization said Sunday.
The decline has widened the gap between available blood and hospital demand, potentially putting trauma victims, cancer patients and others who rely on transfusions at risk.
MORE ON FOX5: Vitalant reports critical shortage of type O blood for Southern Nevada
The Red Cross is now supplying hospitals nationwide with nearly 3,500 more units of blood each week than expected. A sharp decline in donations since late May, driven in part by busy summer schedules and fewer school blood drives, has contributed to the shortfall.
“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.”
Critical need for specific blood types and platelets
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O positive and B negative blood, as well as 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 blood is found in less than 2% of the population, and 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, making regular donations essential to maintaining supply.
Supply misconceptions persist, survey finds
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.
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.
How to donate
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting more than 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.
Nevadans who donate blood between July 13–31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, up to $15 in ticket price and fees. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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