For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.
Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this season’s emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distribution of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now dropped below a one-day supply.
Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses continue to contribute to lower donor turnout this summer, both locally and nationally.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”
You can help
To help end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 31 will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). See RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Bonus: those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August.
Upcoming blood drives
Corvallis
8/5/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Coastal Farm & Ranch Corvallis, 400 NE Circle Blvd.
8/7/2026: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Burgerville, 2300 NW 9th Street
8/11/2026: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Health Services Building, 530 NW 27th St
8/12/2026: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Corvallis Clinic Corvallis- Aumann Building, 444 NW Elks Dr
Philomath
8/14/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St
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