U.S. blood crisis persists despite donation surge, Red Cross warns

What they're saying: "While we are grateful to all who have rolled up a sleeve this summer to save lives, we still need more donors to give in the coming weeks to not only rebuild the blood supply but also help sustain a stable blood supply through the summer," Daniel Parra, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, told Axios in an email.

Context: Blood donations fell to a four-year summer low this summer, creating a national blood shortage for only the second time in history, the Red Cross said on Monday.

• The current supply isn't keeping up with the demand, which increases in the summer, according to the Red Cross.
• The U.S. Surgeon General's office said donation levels had declined "at an alarming rate."

Zoom in: The Red Cross attributed the low donor turnout to extreme heat, bad air quality and "widespread foodborne illnesses" hitting the country.

How to donate

How it works: People interested in donating can book an appointment online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to donate blood and plasma at local centers.

• Visit Red Cross or Versiti websites to find a blood drive near you.

Fun fact: The Red Cross says anyone who donates by July 31 receives a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15.