Red Cross declares a national blood crisis
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.
Blood donations have dropped to a four-year summer low. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially bleak for type O blood. The Red Cross is limiting distributions of type O to hospitals only. The national supply of that type is below a one-day supply.
Donors can make appointments to give blood by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
In this region, there is a blood drive today (Tuesday) at Good Shepherd Medical Center, 610 NW 11th in Hermiston from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other upcoming blood drives:
HERMISTON
Aug. 4: Noon-5 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hermiston Stake, 850 SW 11th St.
PENDLETON
Aug. 4: 12:30-5:30 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Pendleton, 609 NW 12th St.
Aug. 10: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., St. Anthony Hospital, 2801 St. Anthony Way
COLLEGE PLACE
Aug. 10: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Walla Walla University Church, 212 SW Fourth St.
WALLA WALLA
Aug. 3: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Walla Walla Regional Airport Terminal Building, 45 Terminal Loop
Aug. 6: Noon-5 p.m., Marcus Whitman Hotel, 6 W. Rose St.
Aug. 11: Noon-5 p.m., Walla Walla Presbyterian Church, 325 S. First Ave.
