"National Blood Supply Emergency Declared by Red Cross"

The American Red Cross has declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage, with a 20-year low in donors and a loss of 300,000 donors since the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage could lead to hospitals making difficult decisions about prioritizing patients for blood transfusions, potentially impacting surgeries and patient care. The organization is urging people to donate, particularly Type O blood and platelets needed for cancer and trauma patients, and individuals interested in donating can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.