The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell by nearly 25% in June, raising concerns about hospitals' ability to meet patient needs during the busy summer trauma season.

The organization said blood distributions to hospitals are running significantly above expectations, with nearly 3,500 more units being sent to medical facilities each week than originally projected.

The shortage comes during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, commonly known as the summer trauma season, when serious accidents and injuries often increase demand for blood products.

At the same time, blood donations have dropped sharply since late May, creating what Red Cross officials describe as a widening gap between supply and demand.

Officials cited busy summer schedules, temporary illnesses, and the loss of school blood drives during summer break as major factors contributing to the decline in donations.

"Summer always brings challenges" for maintaining the nation's blood supply, said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, division chief medical officer for the American Red Cross.

Lawrence warned that without sufficient donations, hospitals could face difficulties treating trauma patients, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, and patients undergoing treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross said all blood types are urgently needed, but shortages are particularly severe for O positive, B negative, and AB plasma donations.

According to the organization, blood products cannot be stockpiled because they have limited shelf lives and require a constant stream of volunteer donations to maintain adequate inventory levels.

A recent Red Cross survey found that fewer than one in five Americans understood that blood supplies must be continuously replenished because stored blood eventually expires.

The survey also found that only about half of respondents believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need a blood transfusion at some point, although someone in the United States receives blood every two seconds.

"Without blood available," Lawrence said, emergency departments and maternity wards can face significant challenges in delivering critical care.

The Red Cross is urging eligible donors not to delay scheduling appointments to give blood or platelets.

Potential donors can make appointments through the American Red Cross Blood Donation website, the organization's Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Health officials say immediate donations are critical to rebuilding supplies and ensuring lifesaving treatments continue without interruption for patients across the country.