Media Contact: Katie Baratone Zwerk
(404) 323-3923 | Katie.zwerk@redcross.org

ATLANTA, Aug. 31, 2026 — The American Red Cross 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, Tad Hutcheson with Delta Air Lines will serve on the campaign committee alongside a distinguished group of volunteers.

Susan Baker, The Betty Bazar Foundation
Erica Dayton, The Golisano Foundation
Elissa Gifford
Brenda L. Johnson
Barb Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah
Teresa Nacarato
Teresa and Byron Pollitt, campaign co-chairs
Kevin and Patricia Terrazas

“Ensuring a reliable blood supply is one of the most important ways we can support patients, families and communities across the country,” said Tad Hutcheson. “I am honored to serve on the LifeBlood Fund campaign committee and help advance the Red Cross mission. Through innovation, strong partnerships and the generosity of blood donors, we have an opportunity to strengthen the nation's blood system for generations to come.”

Hutcheson is the Senior Vice President of The Delta Air Lines Foundation and has been a longtime champion of the Red Cross mission. Delta and the Red Cross have partnered for more than 85 years, working together to support blood collection, disaster preparedness and community resilience. Delta is the No. 1 corporate blood drive sponsor of the Red Cross for the ninth consecutive year. The airline also proudly supports the Red Cross HBCU Blood Ambassador Program, which helps improve health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease, and serves as a leader in the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, providing critical financial and in-kind support that helps ensure the organization can respond whenever disasters strike.

A Georgia Red Cross Capital Campaign is a regional component of the LifeBlood Fund. The capital campaign will strengthen and sustain blood collection efforts across the state through investments in equipment, fleet and infrastructure. As one of the largest blood collection regions in the country, Georgia plays a critical role in supporting the Red Cross blood program and ensuring a reliable blood supply for patients in need.

“Tad exemplifies the very best of volunteer leadership,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive for the American Red Cross of Georgia. “His thoughtful guidance has helped shape a campaign that will strengthen the nation’s blood supply while supporting the mission of the Red Cross.”

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.