The American Red Cross has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood and is urging Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents to donate at two nearby Montgomery County centers before the shortage worsens.

The organization declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after donations fell to a four-year summer low, according to a Red Cross press release issued July 27. The only previous declaration came in January 2022, when COVID-19 disruptions slashed blood drive collections.

The national supply dropped nearly 25% in June, and the Red Cross has begun limiting how much type O blood it sends to individual hospitals. Type O blood accounts for about 60% of Red Cross distributions, and the organization is especially seeking donors with type O positive and O negative blood.

Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in the July 27 press release that inventories remain under significant strain and urged everyone eligible to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Dr. Courtney Lawrence, the Red Cross medical director, warned in a July 29 statement that emergency departments, operating rooms and cancer patients are already feeling the impact. "We're asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions," Lawrence said.

Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have driven down donor turnout this summer, while hospital demand has climbed during the busy trauma season, Patch reported.

The Red Cross estimates that just three additional donors at each blood drive could stabilize the supply. The organization serves more than 2,500 hospital partners and provides about 40% of the nation's blood.

Where to donate near Bethesda

American Red Cross Rockville Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 510, Rockville Open seven days a week. Hours vary by day: Sunday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Monday, 12:30–8:30 p.m.; Tuesday, noon–8 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

American Red Cross Montgomery Chapter House Blood Drive 2020 East-West Highway, Silver Spring Recurring schedule: second and fourth Mondays, 1:30–7 p.m.; first and third Thursdays, 1:30–7 p.m. The next scheduled drive is Monday, Aug. 10. Donors should confirm dates before visiting.

$20 Amazon gift card for August donors

Anyone who donates through the Red Cross from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31 receives a $20 Amazon gift card by email. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.

Schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.