Bay Area blood donation centers face critical shortage
Bay Area blood donation sites report concerning supply shortage
The American Red Cross Center in Oakland is just one of several sites throughout the region, and indeed across the country, that has seen a decline in platelet donations. Staff has put out a call to all eligible donors in the region, and hope people will respond. The center currently only has enough blood for two to three days.
BERKELEY, Calif. - Bay Area blood donation sites are issuing an urgent call for help as many centers face a critical shortage of supplies.
Since January, the American Red Cross has warned of nationwide shortages. At the organization's donation center in Oakland, staff members are hoping the public will respond to the ongoing need.
"For the shortage we definitely need all donors blood types," said Dylan Smith of the American Red Cross Blood Center in Oakland. "We've seen a steep decline in donations. It's summer, it's expected... people are busy with kids, going on vacation. It's a demand that never rests."
Stanford Blood Center shortage
What we know:
The Stanford Blood Center is also experiencing a supply crunch, reporting that it is down to only a two-to-three-day supply. The center has a critical need for universal Type O blood units. Representatives noted that along with seasonal changes, shifts in workplace donation options have negatively impacted their inventory.
Additionally, blood centers are struggling to connect with a new generation of supporters.
"So many of the non-profits are struggling from an aging donor population," said Adam Eldefrawy, co-founder of Goodlabs. "They're really struggling to recruit newer, younger donors."
Mobile blood donation clinic
What you can do:
To combat this trend, a novel approach was launched in Berkeley on Friday. A mobile blood donation unit from Goodlabs offered donors free blood panel testing, providing useful, comprehensive health data to those who give.
"I'm interested in knowing what are the different tests and labs that I get that are different from what I normally get from my health provider... and free," said blood donor Eugene Chan.
Organizers hope the private health data incentive will encourage more people to support public health efforts.
"The value of donating blood is really good for public health, and then you also get to pass some of that value back to yourself in the private health domain as well," Eldefrawy said.
For donors like Regina, who has Type 1 diabetes, the detailed screening is a major draw.
"I'm just trying to get more data, and with Type 1 diabetes, data is key," Regina said. "And they're doing a whole range of tests that are beyond the blood draws that I have."
Editor's note: This story was edited on May 18, 2026. References to surgeries potentially being delayed due to the blood shortage were removed. The previous information was sourced from an outdated press release and was not reflective of the current shortage.
The Source: American Red Cross, Stanford Blood Center