The American Red Cross announced its LifeBlood Fund, a five-year, $300 million national effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s blood supply. The effort will help ensure that every patient in the United States has access to lifesaving blood when and where it is needed. To help guide this effort, long-time Red Cross philanthropist Brenda L. Johnson will serve in a volunteer leadership role with the campaign.
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.
These challenges are expected to continue as demand for blood is projected 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. The 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 Red Cross capacity to collect and deliver lifesaving blood.
“Throughout my life, I have seen the extraordinary difference that compassionate people can make when they come together to help others,” said Johnson. “The LifeBlood Fund is an investment in patients, families and communities who depend on a strong and reliable blood supply. I believe we should live to lighten the burden of others, and I am honored to support a mission that brings that belief to life every day."
Johnson has a long-standing connection to Red Cross Blood Services in Minnesota. She was the lead financial supporter of the Mary Coultrap Johnson Blood and Platelet Donation Center in St. Paul, which is named in honor of her mother, Mary Coultrap Johnson, a cancer patient, dedicated volunteer and philanthropist. The center opened for blood and platelet donations in October 2021. In addition, Johnson is a native of Superior, Wisconsin.
“Brenda exemplifies the best of volunteer leadership,” said Brice Johnson, CEO of the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “Thanks to her strategic guidance, this campaign is laying the foundation to strengthen the nation’s blood supply and continuing to ensure patients receive the lifesaving care they need.”
The LifeBlood Committee also includes this distinguished group of volunteers:
- Susan Baker, The Betty Bazar Foundation
- Erica Dayton, The Golisano Foundation
- Tad Hutcheson, Delta Air Lines
- Barb Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah
- Teresa NacaratoTeresa and Byron Pollitt, campaign co-chairs
- Kevin and Patricia Terrazas
The Red Cross invites individuals, foundations and organizations to join this effort to strengthen the nation’s blood supply and help ensure every patient receives the care they depend on. Learn more about the LifeBlood Fund at RedCross.org/LifeBloodFund and schedule an appointment to give blood at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross region, which includes seven community chapters and six blood donation centers, serves over 7.3 million people across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, including many Indigenous nations, communities, and peoples. Learn more at RedCross.org/MNDAKS and follow us on social media.
