DENVER, Colo. (Dec. 10, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Mile High urges blood donors to make an appointment during December to help keep local blood supplies strong during the holiday season. To support these efforts, the Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St., Denver, CO 80218.
Appointments are still available to donate blood; visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule an appointment or learn more.
The need for blood remains constant year-round, especially for types O positive, O negative and B negative. As winter approaches, the chance of severe winter weather can compound an already challenging time for donors to be able to come out and give. This means that each donation is that much more important to helping maintain blood supplies across the Front Range and Colorado.
More than 70 blood drives are currently scheduled through the end of January. Upcoming drives include:
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 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 visit us on social media.
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