The American Red Cross has less than one day's supply of type O positive blood on hand, putting trauma patients at nearly 45 Utah hospitals at risk of dangerous delays.

The organization declared a national blood crisis on Monday, July 27, only the second time in its history. Heidi Ruster, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, said the situation has worsened despite thousands of donations this month.

"We cannot manufacture blood, and there is no substitute for a donor who takes an hour to give," Ruster told ABC4. "That response has helped, but it hasn't been enough to reverse the decline."

Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to anyone with a positive blood type, roughly 80% of the population. Type O negative works for patients of any blood type, but only about 7% of people carry it. Both are used daily for trauma care, surgeries, and cancer treatment.

What's driving the shortage

The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation's blood to more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. In Utah, those hospitals number nearly 45. The organization has begun limiting distribution of type O blood because supplies have dropped so critically.

The national blood supply dropped nearly 25% since late May, according to the Red Cross. The organization cited extreme heat, poor air quality, widespread foodborne illnesses, and the seasonal loss of school blood drives as factors reducing donor turnout.

Hospital demand, meanwhile, is running nearly 3,500 units per week higher than projected, according to the Red Cross, during what the organization calls the height of trauma season.

How Sandy residents can help

All Utahns who donate blood or platelets by Friday, July 31, will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued up to $15 including fees. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Sandy residents also have a local option. ARUP Blood Services operates a donor center at 9786 Sandy Parkway (500 West), Sandy, UT 84070. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments take priority. To schedule, call 801-584-5272 or visit utahblood.org.

Regular ARUP Sandy donor center hours:

  • Monday: 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday: noon–7 p.m.
  • Wednesday: noon–7 p.m.
  • Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Saturday–Sunday: 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

ARUP is also offering its own incentives: a free clear tote bag for whole blood or platelet donors in July, and a chance to win a ride on the University of Utah AirMed helicopter for anyone who donates through August.

What's at stake

The last time the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis was January 2022, during the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said inventories of type O blood "remain under significant strain."

Someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds, according to the Red Cross. A recent Red Cross survey found fewer than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life.

The Fandango ticket deadline is Friday, July 31. Details at RedCrossBlood.org/July.