SAN FRANCISCO — As the American Red Cross commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Day of Service on Monday, January 19, the Northern California Coastal Region honors Dr. King’s profound legacy of service by carrying the Red Cross mission forward through community blood drives and volunteerism.

January is historically a challenging month for blood donations. Donations often decline after the holidays due to weather, illness and fewer scheduled drives, putting patients who rely on ongoing transfusions at greater risk. Donating blood on or around Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service, equity and caring for the community.

SICKLE CELL INITIATIVE Many individuals living with sickle cell disease depend on frequent blood transfusions to manage pain crises, prevent complications and improve quality of life—making a consistent blood supply critical. The Red Cross invites you to start the year with a blood donation at one of the drives listed below to help ensure hospitals have the supply they need to support sickle cell patients and others who depend on lifesaving transfusions.

• In partnership with Cayenne Wellness – 1/17/2026: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1001 Davis St. San Leandro
• In partnership with Jack & Jill of America – 1/17/2026: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2731 N. First St. San Jose
• In partnership with Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness of San Francisco – 1/31/2026: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 401 Highland Ave. Piedmont

“Donating blood during MLK Weekend and throughout January is a powerful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service and justice,” says Donor Recruitment Emerging Market Account Manager Edward Faso. “For patients with sickle cell disease, blood transfusions are not optional—they are lifesaving. When you give blood, especially from diverse donors, you help ensure these patients receive the compatible blood they need to live healthier, longer lives.”

HOW TO DONATE BLOOD Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Before arriving at the blood drive on the day of the donation, blood and platelet donors can use the RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online to expedite their donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

VOLUNTEER Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a Red Cross volunteer. While volunteers of all types are needed, there is a strong need for people to support disaster operations and blood collection efforts.

These are the most needed positions:

• Disaster Action Team: Help families in your community after a home fire or other disaster. Team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
• Shelter Volunteers: Ensure needs of shelter residents are met and help them access additional services.
• Blood donor ambassadors: Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. 
• Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals. If you have a little free time, love driving and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer spot waiting for you.

Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today. Free online training will be provided.

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.

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