The Blood Donation Blind Spot

Only 3% of eligible Americans donate blood, even though roughly two-thirds of the population is now eligible — a dramatic increase from the one-third estimate of a decade ago. That gap between eligibility and action is the central puzzle Dr. Courtney Lawrence, divisional chief medical officer at the American Red Cross, explores with Norah O'Donnell. The conversation focuses on why women in particular should donate, the psychology and practical barriers that keep people away, and what donors need to know about protecting their own health while giving.

Why the blood supply keeps running low

Blood has a finite shelf life, so the supply depends on a steady stream of regular donors — not just a surge after a crisis. The summer months create a double bind: people fall out of their donation routines because of travel and vacation, while trauma and accidents spike. The Red Cross calls the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day "the hundred deadliest days of the year." More cars on the road, more outdoor activities, more injuries. Hospital demand this past summer exceeded previous years, and the result was the second-ever national blood supply crisis declared by the Red Cross.