Where to donate blood in Philly region amid national supply crisis
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The U.S. blood supply has reached crisis levels after falling nearly 25% in June, hitting a four-year summer low, the American Red Cross said this week.
Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.
State of play: The Red Cross says all blood types are needed because the current supply is not keeping up with the demand for blood, which increases during the summer, the Red Cross says.
- Extreme heat, bad air quality and "widespread foodborne illnesses" hitting the country are causing low turnout of donations, per the Red Cross.
Context: This is only the second national blood supply crisis, according to the Red Cross.
- The last time was in January 2022, when COVID, winter storms and staffing challenges disrupted the nation's blood supply.
Zoom in: The situation is particularly dire for type O.
- The organization says it has "less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood," which is the most commonly transfused blood type.
- Due to the shortage, the organization is limiting distribution of type O blood to hospitals.
Jennifer Graham, CEO of the Philly region's Red Cross outpost, tells Axios that the region is seeing the same downturns in donations and supplies.
- She also said heat and extreme weather, and a rise in foodborne illnesses, are to blame for the donation drop, as is the metro's busy summer of events.
- "The need for blood doesn't take a vacation," she said.
How it works: You can book an appointment online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to donate blood and plasma at local centers, including the Red Cross' Philadelphia center at 700 Spring Garden St.
Plus: The Red Cross is offering incentives for donating.
- Anyone who donates by July 31 receives a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15.
- The Red Cross is also offering a $20 Amazon gift card to anyone who donates in August.