Across the country, the American Red Cross received 61,000 fewer blood donations than usual over the last two months. That means the agency had to use some of its blood supply reserves and says the situation now is critical.
The region that covers Idaho suffered from the shortage as well. Idaho is part of an area that includes 120 hospitals here and in Utah, Nevada, and Montana. That region fell short by 2,200 donations over the past two months.
The Red Cross says summer holidays can be a tough time to get donations, as many people are on vacation. Churches and many offices hold fewer blood drives over the summer months.
The Greater Idaho Chapter of the American Red Cross serves 1.4 million people in 39 Idaho counties, over 84,000 square miles. It also covers Malheur county in Oregon and two Washington counties.
The national agency has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors.
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