Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 4, 2025) — Today, Gov. Joe Lombardo officially declared Sept. 4 as Blood Donation Day in Nevada as the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada calls on the community to help address the ongoing need for blood donations. This statewide recognition highlights the lifesaving role of blood donors and the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply, especially during the summer months when donations often decline.
“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Lombardo for recognizing the importance of blood donation with this special proclamation,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Blood Donation Day in Nevada underscores how essential blood donations are in supporting patients during emergencies and medical treatments. We urge everyone in our community to take this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Nevada joins more than 35 states in designating Sept. 4 as Blood Donation Day. The initiative was launched in 2016 by nationally syndicated radio host and Las Vegas physician Dr. Daliah Wachs, who worked to enlist governors across all 50 states in promoting blood donations through National Blood Donation Day.
The summer months, particularly around holiday weekends like Labor Day, often see a significant drop in blood donations as people focus on end-of-summer activities and back-to-school preparations. Sept. 4 was intentionally chosen to coincide with the Labor Day holiday, a time when donations typically decline but the need remains critical.
Schedule a Blood Donation Today
Donating is simple and convenient. Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Celebrate with PEANUTS® and the Red Cross
To inspire giving around Labor Day, the American Red Cross and PEANUTS® are once again teaming up to thank donors. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of PEANUTS, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma from Aug. 29 to Sept. 21, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag featuring one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for more details.
Urgent Need for Type O and B Negative Blood
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urging those with Type O and Type B negative blood to donate. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, compatible with 85% of patients, while Type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies. Type B negative is rare, found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from B negative or O negative donors.
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. To meet patient needs, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day. Nearly 20 hospitals in Southern Nevada rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
About National Blood Donation Day
National Blood Donation Day, observed annually on Sept. 4, raises awareness about the critical need for a consistent blood supply across the country. The effort began in 2015, when Dr. Wachs successfully advocated for the creation of Nevada Blood Donation Day. Building on this success, Dr. Wachs expanded the initiative nationwide in 2016, urging governors in all 50 states to officially designate Sept. 4 as National Blood Donation Day to help address seasonal declines in blood donations.
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.
