DETROIT (June 11, 2026) – Matt Glaser and Bear Qolezcua don’t know each other, but they share a common belief: donating blood is a small sacrifice that can help save lives.
As World Blood Donor Day (June 14) and World Sickle Cell Day (June 19) approaches, the American Red Cross honors all those who support its lifesaving mission through blood donation and highlights the ongoing need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply.
“You never know when you’re going to be in a position to need blood,” said Glaser, a Chesterfield Township resident and local law enforcement officer who overcame a fear of needles to start donating last October. He is scheduled to make his fourth donation this month.
After seeing his parents receive multiple blood transfusions for medical issues, Glaser reflected on how often they needed care – and realized that donating blood is a small sacrifice to help ensure others receive the treatment they need.
“I've developed the mindset that you give blood when you can so when you need it, you know you've done your part,” he said.
The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors, and donors of all blood types are needed. There is no substitute for donated blood. Giving now – and throughout the summer – helps ensure patients facing trauma, cancer, sickle cell disease and other conditions never have to wait for care. As summer travel and activities ramp up, it could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give.
Eligible donors can feel good knowing that their donation may help patients not only in their community but also family and friends across the nation.
Qolezcua, of Northville, was excited to donate for the first time in March under updated FDA eligibility guidelines that made blood donation more inclusive by removing restrictions based on sexual orientation. The Red Cross implemented the updated guidance in August 2023, becoming the first major blood bank in the U.S. to do so.
He said many of his friends have followed his lead and donated.
“I'm taking up the mantle my mother left. She was a big advocate for blood donation having given many gallons in her lifetime. Since members of my community are now welcome to donate, it's my turn to give what I can,” he said. “The additional inclusivity has opened a chance for me to do more good in my community.”
Qolezcua likens blood donation to a “superpower” because of the impact it can have.
“We never realize the power of what a simple pint of blood can do – the lives it can save, the lives it can change,” he said. “You don’t know who you’re touching either; it could be someone in your community or just beyond it.”
Maintaining a diverse blood supply is critical for patients with sickle cell disease, who often require closely matched blood to prevent serious complications. Blood transfusions are essential to managing pain and long-term health.
One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for patients with sickle cell disease.
In 2021, the Red Cross launched a Sickle Cell initiative to increase the number of Black blood donors and improve health outcomes. To date, more than 170,000 African American blood donors have given blood as part of the initiative.
Additionally, the Red Cross has provided more than 350,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors who self-identified as African American, Black or multiracial – helping deliver important health insight to communities disproportionately impacted by the disease.
Book an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood through June 28 will receive a $15 gift card to the merchant of their choice and chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606
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.
