Red Cross declares nationwide emergency due to critically low blood supply

The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage, saying patients are at risk of not getting lifesaving transfusions.

The Malandrino family of Arlington, Virginia, knows firsthand the critical impact donations can make. Jack Malandrino, 12, required a blood transfusion shortly after his birth. He and his twin sister were born months prematurely and faced serious health complications. 

"His heart would stop, and he would stop breathing routinely," said mom Susan Malandrino. "It was just terrifying."