The American Red Cross is encouraging people to roll up their sleeves this spring and help maintain a steady blood supply for hospitals and patients in need.
With warmer weather, outdoor activities, and vacation plans picking up, donation schedules often get disrupted. Even small changes in routine can quickly lead to shortages in available blood products, making consistent donations especially important this time of year.
The Red Cross is asking donors of all blood types — including those giving for the first time — to schedule an appointment in the coming days or weeks. Giving blood or platelets is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and help ensure hospitals are ready to respond to emergencies and ongoing patient needs.
As an added incentive, those who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Donors who give from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Eligible donors generally must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good overall health.
To save time on donation day, donors can complete pre-donation reading and health history questions online through the RapidPass system before arriving at their appointment.
Beyond donating blood, the Red Cross is also seeking volunteers to support its mission. Opportunities include serving as a blood donor ambassador — helping greet and assist donors at drives — or working as a transportation specialist to help deliver lifesaving blood products to hospitals.
Officials say every donation matters and can help save lives, making this a critical time for community members to step up and give back.
