Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (June 7, 2025) — This June, the American Red Cross encourages Southern Nevadans to help reverse the summer blood donation slowdown by giving blood and taking part in the Summertime of Giving Sweepstakes. Donors this month will automatically be entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards, and as a gesture of gratitude, all participants will receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card.
“Blood donation is a powerful act of compassion that strengthens our communities,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Each donation brings hope to those facing critical health challenges, and it reminds us of the incredible difference we can make in less than an hour when we give blood.”
Even though 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, only about 3% do. “We are deeply grateful to our donors, whose generosity makes countless recoveries and second chances possible. We encourage everyone who is able to join this mission of hope and healing,” Flanigan said.
A Decline in Summer Blood Donations
Every year, as schools close and families go on vacations, blood donations typically decrease. This drop occurs just when the demand for blood often spikes due to increased outdoor activities and a higher rate of accidents and trauma injuries. A single car accident victim may need 100 units of blood or more, depleting a hospital’s blood supply.
Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, meaning consistent donations are essential to meet medical needs. In Southern Nevada, emergency rooms and trauma centers in nearly 20 hospitals rely on the Red Cross to ensure a steady supply of lifesaving blood products.
The Need for Type O Blood
While all blood types are critical, the need for type O blood is especially urgent. Type O positive is the most frequently transfused blood type, and type O negative, the universal blood type, is used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type cannot be identified quickly. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Celebrate Humanity by Giving
June also marks two significant days in the mission to save lives through blood donation. June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a time to honor those who step up to help save lives by donating blood. June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, highlighting the need for a diverse blood supply to support people living with this disease.
Donors who give blood between June 1-30, 2025, will automatically be entered into the Summertime of Giving Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards and will receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email as a token of appreciation. Terms apply. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.
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.
