Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 4, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada warns that the nation’s blood supply is dangerously close to a shortage this winter and is calling on the public to donate now to prevent a critical shortfall. As January marks National Blood Donor Month, a time to honor the lifesaving contributions of blood donors, immediate action is essential to ensure hospitals have the blood needed for patient care.
Maintaining a sufficient blood supply is particularly challenging during the winter months. Severe weather, seasonal illnesses like the flu and busy post-holiday schedules often lead to a decline in donor turnout. These disruptions can strain the blood supply, making it more difficult to ensure blood products are available for emergency care, surgeries and ongoing treatments for cancer and chronic conditions.
“A reliable blood supply is the backbone of our healthcare system, enabling everything from emergency surgeries to cancer treatments,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “When donations drop, as they often do during winter, hospitals face the difficult reality of postponing care or rationing resources. This National Blood Donor Month, we urge everyone who is eligible to donate and help ensure that no patient’s care is delayed due to a lack of blood.”
Super Bowl LX Gridiron Giving Giveaway
This January, the American Red Cross is partnering with the National Football League (NFL) for the seventh consecutive year to celebrate National Blood Donor Month. Together, the Red Cross and the NFL are encouraging fans and donors to make a difference by giving blood to support patients in need.
Donors who give blood between Jan. 1 and Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered to win a Super Bowl LX prize package. The winner will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to official pre-game events and the Super Bowl Experience, airfare, a three-night hotel stay from Feb. 6–9, 2026 and a $1,000 gift card to help cover expenses. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.
How to Donate
Donating blood is easy and can make a profound difference. Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Urgent Need for Type O, A Negative and B Negative Blood
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O, A negative and B negative blood. O positive, the most frequently transfused type, is vital for 85% of patients, while O negative, the universal blood type, is critical in emergencies. B negative, found in less than 2% of the population, and A negative, present in only 6%, are both rare and essential for patients with limited compatibility options.
About National Blood Donor Month
National Blood Donor Month was established in January 1970 through a proclamation by President Richard Nixon to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations during winter, when supplies often decline. This annual observance honors donors and highlights the lifesaving importance of blood donation. Over time, it has become a unifying effort, bringing together organizations, communities and volunteers to help maintain a stable blood supply year-round.
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.
