LOS ANGELES, CA, August 31, 2026 — The American Red Cross today announced its LifeBlood Fund, a five-year, $300 million national effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s blood supply — ensuring that every patient in the United States has access to lifesaving blood when and where it is needed.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and the Red Cross provides nearly 40% of the nation’s supply. However, mounting pressures — including extreme weather disruptions to blood drives and long-term demographic shifts — are widening the gap between supply and demand.

The Red Cross projects that these challenges could be ongoing as the demand for blood is expected to increase 12% by 2030. At the same time, the donor base has declined by 40% over the past 20 years, stretching the current blood supply beyond sustainable limits. This campaign aims to address these urgent challenges, including rising hospital demand, fewer donors, increasing costs and aging infrastructure. Through expanded donor engagement, advanced technology and modernized facilities, the initiative will strengthen the Red Cross capacity to collect and deliver lifesaving blood.

To help guide this effort, dedicated Red Cross philanthropist Susan Baker will serve on the campaign committee alongside a distinguished group of volunteers.

Erica Dayton, The Golisano Foundation
Tad Hutcheson, Delta Air Lines
Elissa Gifford
Brenda L. Johnson
Barb Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah
Teresa Nacarato
Teresa and Byron Pollitt, campaign co-chairs
Kevin and Patricia Terrazas

“I've been giving blood for years, and I still think it's one of the most extraordinary things we can do for another person. You may never know whose life you helped save. This summer's blood crisis was a powerful reminder that we can never take a strong, reliable blood supply for granted. The LifeBlood Fund is about making sure the Red Cross has the people, technology and resources to keep that lifesaving connection going for generations to come. I'm very excited to help lead the charge.”

Susan Baker is President and CEO of The Betty Bazar Foundation and a longtime American Red Cross volunteer leader and blood donor. She serves on the Los Angeles Region Board, chairs the Los Angeles Tiffany Circle and leads the Board’s Biomedical Committee. Through her leadership of the Foundation, Susan has been instrumental in continuing Betty Bazar’s philanthropic legacy and advancing more than $16 million in family support for the Red Cross, including significant investments in Biomedical Services and disaster response.

“Susan Baker exemplifies the best of volunteer leadership,” said Jacquelyn Clites, American Red Cross of Los Angeles region. “Thanks to her strategic guidance, this campaign is laying the foundation to strengthen the nation’s blood supply and continuing to ensure patients receive the lifesaving care they need.”

The American Red Cross invites individuals, foundations and organizations to join this effort to strengthen the nation’s blood system and ensure that every patient receives the care they depend on. Learn more about the LifeBlood Fund and schedule an appointment to give blood today.

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.