Blood donors are the heartbeat of hope for patients and families across the country.
On June 14, the American Red Cross celebrates World Blood Donor Day — a time to honor and thank the millions of generous individuals who selflessly donate blood, offering patients in need a second chance at life. Their compassion makes it possible for those waiting on critical transfusions to keep fighting, healing and living.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and every year approximately 6.8 million generous donors roll up their sleeves and help ensure hospitals and medical centers have the blood products needed to treat patients across the country.
Blood and blood products — like platelets, plasma and red blood cells — are vital for those facing emergency surgeries, undergoing treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease, or experiencing complications like postpartum hemorrhage. While the average transfusion uses about three units of blood, a single accident victim may need up to 100 units to survive.
The good news? Donating blood is simple, safe, secure and very gratifying. The full process takes about an hour, but the actual donation itself is typically completed in less than 8 minutes. Unfortunately, blood can’t be manufactured — but most people, regardless of their blood type, are eligible to donate and help save lives.
Please consider donating by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or visiting redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment and find a donation center near you.
As a special thank-you, those who come to give in June will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. *
To all our blood donors — past, present and future — thank you. Your generosity is the heartbeat of hope for patients and families across the country.
Supporters Help Power Lifesaving Blood Services
The American Red Cross provides nearly 40% of the nation’s blood supply, more than any other organization. Generous donations from Blood Saves Lives partners help the Red Cross collect, test, process and store blood and blood products, ensuring lifesaving blood is available for patients in need. Thank you for your commitment to the Red Cross mission: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dettwiller Foundation, Brenda L. Johnson, Mary E. Bazar Robbin Foundations, Herbalife, United Way of Central Alabama, Teresa and Byron Pollitt, Miki F. Young Charitable Trust, Gregg and Leora Allen, Costco Wholesale, Delta Air Lines, Nationwide Foundation, Orkin and Sport Clips Haircuts.
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.