DENVER, Colo. (Dec. 22, 2025) — The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood now to keep the blood supply as strong as possible in the final days of the year and into 2026. Types O, A negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now.

Record-setting travel is happening across the country. With more people headed away from home, blood donations can dip at a crucial time when patients count on care. Bad weather or shifting travel schedules could force donors to cancel or reschedule donation appointments and tighten the blood supply. Make time to give before you go — it’s a simple way to make a lifesaving impact.

Give hope during the holidays and schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts for details.

As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.

If you’re unable to give blood, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026:

• American Red Cross, 444 N. Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 – Dec. 22, 24, 26, 29 and 31, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Denver Health Medical Center Pavilion C, 777 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204 – Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Douglas Masonic Lodge #153, 444 N. Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 – Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Centennial Airport Hangar Office Space, 7565 S. Peoria St., Englewood, CO 80112 – Dec. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Erie Community Center, 450 Powers St., Erie, CO 80516 – Dec. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Evergreen Fire/Rescue, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439 – Dec. 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• UCHealth Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion 2 - Anschutz Medical Campus, 12505 E. 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045 – Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003 – Dec. 31, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• American Red Cross, 444 N. Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 – Jan. 2, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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 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.