Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (June 2, 2026) — Summer is often a challenging time for the blood supply, as vacations, school breaks and changing routines can lead to fewer donation appointments. To help reverse that seasonal slowdown, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is launching the Summertime of Hope Giveaway. Those who come to give blood by June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card and be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
“Summer can put added pressure on the blood supply because donation appointments often slow while the need for blood continues,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Giving blood now helps keep hospitals ready for patients who need transfusions after serious injuries, surgeries, cancer treatment and other medical emergencies.”
Although about 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, only about 3% do. The Red Cross depends on donors to maintain a stable blood supply for hospitals and patients throughout the year, especially during the summer months.
A Decline in Summer Blood Donations
Blood donations often decrease during the summer as the school year ends, families travel and regular routines change. The slowdown can come as hospitals continue to need blood for emergencies and ongoing patient care.
Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, making regular donations essential. In Southern Nevada, nearly 20 hospitals rely on Red Cross blood donations. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. The Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations nationwide every day to support hospitals and patients.
The Need for Type O Blood
Type O donors are especially needed because their blood plays a critical role in emergency care. Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type and is compatible with about 85% of the population.
Type O negative blood can be given to patients of any blood type, making it especially important in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Only about 7% of the population has type O negative blood, yet it is often in high demand.
Trauma Season Increases Need for Blood
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, “trauma season” brings a rise in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports injuries and other summer activities. These incidents drive higher-than-usual demand for blood transfusions during the summer.
Roughly 25% of trauma patients require transfusions, with 3% to 5% needing massive transfusions of 10 or more units of blood. A single car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood, a demand that can quickly strain a hospital’s supply and affect local blood availability.
How to Donate
Blood donation appointments are available through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Those who come to give blood June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card and be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards through the Summertime of Hope Giveaway. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
June Blood Donation Awareness
June includes two important days tied to blood donation and patient care. World Blood Donor Day on June 14 recognizes blood donors who help patients through blood donation. World Sickle Cell Day on June 19 highlights the need for a diverse blood supply to support patients living with sickle cell disease.
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.
