safety
American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, supplies down 25% across the country
By Tony Geftos at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 13, 2026
· 3 min read
The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for blood donations after supplies dropped 25% nationwide, including in Southeast Michigan. Watch Tony Geftos' video report: American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortageFor the first summer since 2024, the organization is declaring an emerg...
Key takeaway Watch Tony Geftos' video report: American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortageFor the first summer since 2024, the organization is declaring an emergency blood shortage.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The American Red Cross's emergency blood shortage declaration has significant implications for Southeast Michigan's healthcare system. With a 25% nationwide drop in supplies, local hospitals and medical facilities may face challenges in meeting the demand for blood transfusions. The shortage of O type and B negative blood is particularly concerning, as these types are often in high demand. The reliance on consistent donors and the need for new ones highlights the importance of community engagement in addressing this issue. As schools are closed during the summer, alternative venues such as churches, companies, and community centers will play a crucial role in hosting blood drives. Detroiters can make a difference by donating blood and encouraging others to do so, helping to ensure that local patients receive the medical care they need. By supporting the American Red Cross's efforts, residents can help mitigate the effects of the shortage and contribute to the well-being of their community.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for blood donations after supplies dropped 25% nationwide, including in Southeast Michigan. Watch Tony Geftos' video report: American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortageFor the first summer since 2024, the organization is declaring an emerg...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tony Geftos at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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