RED CROSS: Make an immediate difference by giving blood now

Donation appointments are critical to keeping blood supply ready

MINNEAPOLIS, July 7, 2025 — The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood now to keep the blood supply strong this sum­mer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves – especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly cause blood and platelet reserves to drop.

In addition to summer fun and hol­idays, severe summer weather can have a sudden impact on the abili­ty to collect blood. Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions.

All blood types are needed, and do­nors who don’t know their blood type can learn it after donation. Book a time to give blood or plate­lets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 14, 2025, will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x go­odr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker that’s included! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

For those who come to give July 15-31, 2025, the Red Cross will say thanks with a Fandango Mov­ie Reward by email. Use it to catch a summer blockbuster on the Red Cross! See RedCrossBlood.org/ July.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, vis­it RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more infor­mation. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for pa­tients. A blood donor card or driv­er’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with paren­tal consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/mndaks.