American Red Cross encourages blood donations amid national shortage

Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) –The American Red Cross is asking Americans to roll up their sleeves.

The non-profit organization that provides about 40 percent of U.S. blood and blood components to hospitals is facing a shortage. 

The Red Cross says distribution to hospitals and medical centers is far outpacing donations. 

Supply levels decreased nearly 25 percent since early August due to declining donations and back-to-back months of climate-driven disasters. 

Emergency supplies of donated blood are currently categorized as “critically low.” 

The Red Cross must collect roughly 12,500 donations daily to meet patients’ needs. 

Visit redcross.org to find a blood drive near you.