US blood supplies have slipped back into crisis territory. The American Red Cross issued another nationwide appeal in late September 2025, saying inventories for several blood types are “at emergency levels.” Some hospitals have already started delaying transfusions that aren’t immediately lifesaving.
That’s not unusual for summer or flu season. What’s different now is how long this instability has continued. Hematologists say they’re spending more time negotiating unit availability than actually treating patients.
“Numerous life-threatening but highly treatable blood disorders depend on a safe blood supply. Ongoing public health education and recruitment of blood donors provides critical support for these essential components of therapy,” said Daniel Weisdorf, MD, of the University of Minnesota Medical School.