Critical Blood Shortage: Red Cross Urges Donations as Summer Demand Surges

The American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to donate blood and platelets as the nation faces a critical shortage. Blood donations have steadily declined since May, while hospitals are seeing an increase in trauma cases during the summer, driving up demand by approximately 3,500 units each week. Blood centers stress that every blood type is needed, and donors do not need to know their blood type to give. At a Bellevue blood drive hosted by the Ukrainian Cultural Center, volunteers highlighted the importance of giving back to their local communities while supporting a lifesaving cause. Officials say a single blood donation can help save up to three lives and encourage anyone who is eligible to donate.