The American Red Cross has less than one day's worth of type O positive blood on hand, and nearly 45 Utah hospitals are feeling the squeeze.

The organization declared a national blood crisis on Monday, July 27, only the second time in its history. The first was in January 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic's Omicron surge. Donations have declined since late May, and by mid-July the national blood supply had dropped nearly 25% in a single month, according to the Red Cross. Donations have since hit a four-year summer low.

"We cannot manufacture blood, and there is no substitute for a donor who takes an hour to give," Heidi Ruster, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, said in a statement Monday. She added that while thousands have donated this month, "it hasn't been enough to reverse the decline."

The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation's blood to more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. In Utah, that means the nearly 45 hospitals relying on Red Cross deliveries could face postponed surgeries and delayed transfusions. The organization has already begun limiting distribution of type O blood to individual hospitals because supply is so low.

Why it matters locally

Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and can be given to anyone with a positive blood type, covering roughly 80% of the population. Type O negative, carried by only about 7% of people, is the universal emergency type used when there's no time to check a patient's blood.

The Red Cross cites extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses as factors keeping donors away this summer. Platelets are also critically short. They have a shelf life of just five days, making continuous donations essential.

About two-thirds of Americans are eligible to donate, yet only 3% do so in a given year, according to the Red Cross. Nearly 90% of donations come from scheduled appointments, so even a small dip in bookings strains the system fast.

How Millcreek residents can help

Utahns who donate blood or platelets through Friday, July 31, will receive a free Fandango movie ticket by email, valued up to $15. The incentive has been active since July 13.

The nearest Red Cross donation center to Millcreek is the Salt Lake center at 6616 S. 900 East in Murray, just south of the Millcreek border. Hours vary by day:

• Sunday and Monday: 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday and Wednesday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Thursday: 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Upcoming community dates

• Through Friday, July 31: Fandango movie ticket for all Utah blood and platelet donors
• Ongoing: Salt Lake Donation Center open seven days a week at 6616 S. 900 East, Murray