The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to roll up their sleeves this August as the nation's blood supply reaches a critical level.
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — only the second time in the organization's history it has issued such a declaration — and donors are urgently needed.
Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, while demand from hospitals continues. The situation is particularly serious for Type O blood. According to the Red Cross, the supply of Type O positive blood has fallen below a one-day supply, putting additional pressure on hospitals and patients who depend on blood transfusions.
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Give Blood in August & Get a $20 Amazon Gift Card
If you're eligible to donate, August is a great time to make a difference. Anyone who comes to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma August 1–31, 2026 can receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email, subject to the Red Cross promotion's terms and eligibility requirements.
The gift card will be sent to the email address listed on your American Red Cross donor profile. The Red Cross says gift-card instructions are generally emailed approximately 30 days after the donation.
And you don't need to know your blood type before making an appointment. All blood types are needed, although Type O is especially important right now.
Every Donation Can Make a Difference
Summer can be a challenging time for blood donations, with vacations, busy schedules, extreme heat and other factors contributing to fewer people donating. Meanwhile, patients still need blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, traumatic injuries and other medical emergencies.
The Red Cross estimates that if just three additional donors gave at each blood drive this summer, it could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need.
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Ready to Donate?
You can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross Blood Services website or by using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
When you make your appointment, you can search for a blood drive or donation center near you and find a time that works for your schedule.
Your donation could help save a life — and this August, the Red Cross is giving you a little thank-you for helping.
Upcoming Blood Drives:
Find the details at redcrossblood.org/give
August 10:
- Resurrection Lutheran Church
August 11:
- Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Branch
- Reurrection Lutheran Church
August 12:
- Resurrection Lutheran Church
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
August 13:
- American Legion Post #55
- Goshen Baptist Church
- Porter Library
- Sumerduck Ruritan Club
August 15:
- Harbour Inn Community Center
- Resurrection Lutheran Church
- Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy
- Howell Library
August 18:
- Caroline Family YMCA
August 19:
- Tompkins-Martin Medical Plaza
- Resurrection Lutheran Church
- Embrey Mill
August 20:
- Common Grounds Church
- Cyber Bytes Foundation
August 21:
- Jeff Rouse Swim & Sport Center
