Los Angeles, June 30, 2025 – As Pride Month 2025 ends, the American Red Cross recognizes the LGBTQ+ community for its contributions, its resilience and for its role in advancing blood donor equity. The Red Cross takes this opportunity to thank LGBTQ+ volunteers, donors and staff, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive blood donation, health equity and belonging.

Pride values of compassion and inclusion align with those of the Red Cross which supports equitable, science-based donation policies. This alliance is particularly important as the nation faces a serious blood shortage. 

“The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood this summer to address a critical shortage, especially around the July 4th holiday period” said Joanne Nowlin, Chief Executive Officer for American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “The need is critical and the LGBTQ+ community has emerged as vital contributors to the nation’s blood supply,” Nowlin explained.

This major development follows the 2023 implementation of the Food and Drug Administration’s individual donor assessment. The policy change does not base eligibility on sexual orientation, thereby allowing more healthy people to safely donate. As a result, the Red Cross reports it is now welcoming 50% of its first-time donors at LGBTQ+ affiliated blood drives.

The Red Cross values its connection with the LGBTQ+ community and celebrated Pride Month by marching in this year’ LA Pride parade. Commitment to year-round equity and inclusion is an integral part of what the Red Cross stands for and anyone who is eligible is invited to consider volunteering, giving blood or hosting a blood drive.

In fact, the summer has just begun and there is already an increased demand for type O products. The Red Cross Los Angeles Region is urging qualified donors to give blood now.  As an incentive, anyone who gives blood, platelets or plasma between July 1 – July 14, 2025, has a chance of receiving a pair American Red Cross Goodr brand, Just My Type sunglasses.

For more information visit redcrossblood.org

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.