Red Cross declares crisis over blood shortage in US for second time in history
Red Cross declares crisis over blood shortage in US for second time in history
Red Cross declares crisis over blood shortage in US for second time in its history
Fewer donations and higher demand has seen a supply shortage worsen, the American Red Cross tells the BBC.
A blood supply shortage in the US has reached a "crisis" level, according to the American Red Cross, which says it is the second time in its 150-year history that levels have been this low.
Factors including wildfires and extreme heat have combined to create the current situation, Dr Courtney Lawrence, who works with the American Red Cross, told the BBC.
Supply levels dropped by a quarter just last month. The crisis has struck during summer, when the amount of blood needed by hospitals typically increases.
That is because of an increased number of car accidents and more people spending time outdoors, resulting in more injuries that require blood transfusions, Lawrence said.