Bozeman, Mont. — The American Red Cross is asking Montanans to give blood after declaring a national blood emergency for just the second time in its history.
In a recent press release, the organization says that donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, citing recent heat waves and poor air quality contributing to the decrease in donations.
The Red Cross was founded in 1881 and has only faced two major blood shortages in their 145-year history – the first in 2022, and again in 2026. Because of the current shortage, officials with the red cross are asking people to donate.
Joshua Smith, a local blood donor in Bozeman, says wider participation with blood donation among community members could make a difference in curbing the shortage.
"The more people who can do it, the more variety of blood people are able to give, because it's more abundant in some than others; and so, it's just good to get as many people out donating blood," Joshua Smith said.
Smith told NonStop Local that giving blood also gives him peace of mind about his future.
"Feels good, and it kind of gives me a little assurance in the future in case I get injured and in need of blood, I kind of know that I've done my part to help contribute to the available blood," Smith said.
The Red Cross says it had less than a one-day supply of type O blood, warning that the current amount could create problems for hospitals and patients that need blood.
Carmen Madsen, the Montana district manager for the American Red Cross says that a shortage of blood is harmful, as it can leave people without what they need.
"If they can't get the blood that they need at the time that they need it, then they just go without and that's never a situation we want to be in," Madsen said.
While the Red Cross says that they are always in need of blood, shortages of produce are especially felt during the summer months because of factors such as heat and poor air quality. In Montana, the Red Cross has five local chapters in Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, Great Falls, and Bozeman. That limited footprint means donations can be harder to access across the state.
Smith also addressed concerns some people have about donating.
"I would just say you really shouldn't be concerned about giving blood. I know sometimes it's a concern people have of dealing with needles and honestly, it's not that bad," Smith said.
For information about how to donate blood, the Red Cross can be reached at 1(800) 733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross.