DENVER, Colo. (April 27, 2026) — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients. Donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to book an appointment in the coming days or weeks ahead.

In addition to the return of outdoor activities and warmer weather, spring vacations can interrupt blood donation patterns. When plans shift away from normal routines, even small disruptions can lead to a quick drop in available blood products.

Spread kindness this spring. Book a time to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come to give April 13-30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details.

All who come to give May 1-17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email, thanks to our partners at Amazon. See RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, April 27 to May 17:

• American Red Cross, 444 N. Sherman St., Denver:
  • Every Monday and Friday in May, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • May 6 and 19, 1-6 p.m.
• Kaiser Permanente - Hidden Lake, 7701 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster - April 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Idalia School, 26845 County Road 9.2, Idalia - April 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland - April 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• University Park United Methodist Church, 2180 S. University Blvd., Denver - April 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Merit Academy, 500 E. Kelley’s Road, Woodland Park - April 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Widefield High School, 615 Widefield Drive, Colorado Springs - April 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Middle Park High School, 795 N. 2nd St., Granby - April 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• American Legion Post 1, 5400 E. Yale Ave., Denver - April 30, 1-6 p.m.
• Salida High School, 26 Jones Ave., Salida - May 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Aims Community College Welcome Center, 4901 W. 20th St., Greeley - May 4, 1-6 p.m.
• American Red Cross of Southern Colorado, 1040 S. 8th St., Colorado Springs - May 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Kaiser Permanente - East Denver Medical Office, 10400 E. Alameda Ave., Denver - May 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Audi Certified Pre-Owned Showroom at Audi Denver, 6060 S. Broadway, Littleton - May 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Colorado Athletic Club - Flatirons, 505 Thunderbird Drive, Boulder - May 7, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saint Luke's Lutheran Church, 5265 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs - May 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Pikes Peak Library District - Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs - May 12 and May 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Rocket Lab, 7810 Shaffer Parkway, Littleton - May 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Vectra Bank Colorado, 7222 E. Layton Ave., Denver - May 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mercedes Benz of Littleton, 8070 S. Broadway, Littleton - May 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• AXL Academy, 450 S. Chambers Road, Aurora - May 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

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.

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

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.