The American Red Cross needs blood donors due to an emergency blood shortage.
According to a release, the blood supply fell nearly 25% last month leading to an increased need of donors, especially for Type O-positive and Type B-negative blood and platelets. Red Cross officials said there has been a steep decline in blood donations since May creating a growing gap between supply and patient need.
The release states hospital distributions are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than predicted for an already busy schedule during the height of trauma season. Additionally, officials said the seasonal loss of school blood drives are only furthering the decline which could put patients at risk if not reversed.
The American Red Cross is offering community blood donation opportunities this month in the following counties:
Moline 7/28/2026: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Red Cross of Quad Cities & Northwest Illinois, 1100 River Drive
Rock Island 7/22/2026: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Island Arsenal Museum, 3500 North Ave.
“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can't support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”
