"Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donations Amid Nationwide Emergency Shortage"

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage, with the lowest number of blood donors in 20 years, leading to limited distributions of crucial blood types to hospitals. Factors contributing to the shortage include the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced blood drives due to remote work and learning, and deferrals of potential donors. The organization is urging Americans to donate blood to address the critical shortfall and ensure that hospitals have an adequate blood supply for patients in need.