The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history as blood donations continue to fall well below hospital demand. Red Cross officials say donations have dropped to a four-year summer low, worsening an emergency blood shortage that was first announced earlier this month. All blood types are needed, but the shortage is especially serious for type O blood. The supply of type O positive blood has fallen below a one-day supply, and the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of some type O blood products to hospitals. Officials say extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to lower donor turnout this summer. “This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. Several blood drives are scheduled across Northwest Georgia in the coming weeks. A blood drive will be held Monday, July 27, from 1 until 6 p.m. at Adairsville Church on the Square, located at 102 South Main Street in Adairsville. Another drive is scheduled Tuesday, July 28, from noon until 5:30 p.m. at the Cartersville Civic Center, located at 435 West Main Street. A Cedartown blood drive will be held Monday, August 3, from 2 until 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 144 Essex Street. In Rome…
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