Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74gze89783o

Factors including wildfires and extreme heat have combined to create the current situation, Dr Courtney Lawrence, who works with the American Red Cross, told the BBC.

Supply levels dropped by a quarter just last month. The crisis has struck during summer, when the amount of blood needed by hospitals typically increases.

That is because of an increased number of car accidents and more people spending time outdoors, resulting in more injuries that require blood transfusions, Lawrence said.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/68827656

I've donated blood a few times, the process is straightforward and relatively painless. The painful part is the incessant follow up calls asking you to come back or give money.