safety
Red Cross faces blood shortage, asks for donors
By Bay City News at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
The American Red Cross has announced an emergency blood shortage Monday and is asking for donors to donate blood, platelets, or plasma as soon as possible.
According to the organization, there has been a steep decline in blood donations since the end of May this year, creating a gap between su...
Key takeaway As a thank-you to donors, the organization is giving away a Fandango Movie Ticket of up to $15 in ticket price and fees via email for whoever donates from July 13-31.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The American Red Cross's emergency blood shortage announcement has significant implications for San Francisco 's medical community, where hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on a steady blood supply to treat patients. The steep decline in blood donations since May exacerbates the existing challenge of maintaining an adequate blood inventory, particularly during the summer months when donations typically slow down. San Francisco residents can play a crucial role in addressing this shortage by donating blood, platelets, or plasma at local donation centers. With several hospitals and medical centers in the city, a robust blood supply is essential to ensure that patients receive the care they need. By donating, residents can help bridge the gap between supply and demand, ultimately supporting the health and well-being of their community. Donors can visit RedCrossBlood.org/July for more information on how to contribute.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco 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 NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The American Red Cross has announced an emergency blood shortage Monday and is asking for donors to donate blood, platelets, or plasma as soon as possible.
According to the organization, there has been a steep decline in blood donations since the end of May this year, creating a gap between su...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bay City News at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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