This is true. The number of people donating blood is the fewest it has been in 20 years. This is due to several factors, including fewer donation sites since the COVID-19 pandemic. If this shortage continues, people who need life-saving blood transfusions may not have access. The Red Cross is asking people who can donate to set up an appointment as soon as possible at RedCrossBlood.org.

In 2023, fewer donors than were needed gave blood, reducing the National Blood Supply. In addition, seasonal illness and severe weather have led to the cancellation of donation appointments. Other factors like more people working remotely and a busy travel season in August have made it harder to reach blood donors.

These factors, combined with a general decrease in donations over the past 20 years, have caused blood supply levels to be lower than they should be. This means that the supply level is close to a “tipping point”, or a point where demand could exceed supply.

Blood cannot be manufactured, and the only way it is added to the blood supply is through donations. Eligibility requirements for blood and platelet donations can be found here.

One blood donation can help save up to three lives. Type O blood and platelet donors are especially needed at this time.

January is National Blood Donor Month, and people are urged to check their eligibility and make an appointment to donate today at RedCrossBlood.org, or download the Red Cross Blood Donation App. People who donate in January will be entered to win tickets for two to the Superbowl.

We are still learning how blood drive cancelations caused by severe weather, or individual appointment cancelations caused by the flu or COVID-19 will affect the blood supply this winter. Eligible people are urged to donate as soon as possible.