May is known for its longer days filled with activities, including end-of-school celebrations, more outdoor sporting events, and long weekends like Memorial Day weekend. May is also Trauma Awareness Month, a time when trauma incidents increase, peaking in the summer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This can also mean more blood is needed to support patients at a time when fewer are typically giving.
The American Red Cross is urging individuals to take advantage of these warm, longer days and set a goal to help save lives by scheduling a blood or platelet donation appointment.
The most commonly used blood type during emergencies is type O negative, which is considered the universal blood type. It is used by emergency room personnel when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. When it comes to saving the life of a trauma victim, platelets are also essential for clotting in a person facing massive bleeding.
On Memorial Day, millions of Americans are expected to travel on the roads and participate in water sports, outdoor camping, and other activities that typically increase the risk of accidents. In the event of a car accident, a person may need up to 100 units of blood for recovery, and it is the blood already available on hospital shelves that help save lives. Therefore, it is critical that hospitals are well stocked with blood products, including all blood types and platelets.
Double the Impact: Donate Blood in May and Save Lives All Summer Long
Making sure your plans include a blood donation is a purposeful act of kindness for patients who need it most. The process of donating blood only takes an hour. People who want to join the Red Cross' mission to save lives can donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year, and blood every 56 days, up to six times a year. This means a person could donate twice this summer and help ensure that hospitals are well-stocked with blood to treat anyone who needs a life-saving transfusion.
Do good and get rewarded
Plan your May blood or platelet donation appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give May 1-18, 2025, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to donate later in the month, May 19-31, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross solar lantern, while supplies last. Additionally, all who come to give in May will automatically be entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two. Terms apply. For full details on all offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/May.
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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
