The national blood crisis declared by the American Red Cross on Monday, July 27, has worsened to the point where Utah hospitals could be forced to postpone surgeries, according to Deseret News reporting published Tuesday, July 28.

The Red Cross has less than 24 hours of type O positive blood on hand. Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type, compatible with about 80% of patients. The organization has begun limiting distribution of type O blood to hospitals, including nearly 45 facilities across Utah.

Jess Gomez, an Intermountain Health spokesman, told the Deseret News that when a trauma patient arrives in the emergency room, there is no substitute for donated blood. It cannot be manufactured or ordered overnight, he said, and must already be on hand because someone chose to donate.

As we reported July 27, this is only the second time in the Red Cross's 145-year history that it has declared a national blood supply crisis. The first was in January 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A local director's personal stake

Benjamin Donner, executive director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, knows what it means to need donated blood. In 2019, Donner arrived at Lone Peak Hospital's emergency room in Draper bleeding internally. His son, then 11 years old, asked if his dad was going to die.

Doctors stabilized him using donated blood. Donner has been a blood donor since age 16.

Why the supply is falling

Blood donations have hit a four-year summer low. The national supply dropped nearly 25% in one month since late May, and hospital demand is running about 3,500 units per week higher than projected during what the Red Cross calls the height of trauma season.

The Red Cross cited extreme heat, poor air quality, widespread foodborne illnesses, and the seasonal loss of high school blood drives as factors reducing donor turnout.

Deborah Jordan, a spokesperson for ARUP Blood Services, said in the same report that the nationwide nature of the shortage makes it harder for local organizations to purchase blood from outside brokers when they run short.

How Sandy residents can help

The Red Cross says three more donors at each blood drive this summer could stabilize the supply. Sandy-area residents have two options:

Red Cross: Donate blood or platelets by Friday, July 31, and receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued up to $15. Schedule at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

ARUP Blood Services Sandy Donor Center: 9786 Sandy Parkway (500 West). Walk-ins welcome, but appointments take priority. Call 801-584-5272. The center is open seven days a week, with hours ranging from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on the day. ARUP is offering a free clear tote bag for whole blood or platelet donors in July, plus a chance to win a ride on the University of Utah AirMed helicopter for anyone who donates through August.