Severe summer weather and disasters can have a sudden impact on the ability to collect blood and platelets. Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial throughout this summer to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all patients, including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions. The Red Cross is the primary blood supplier to more than 60 hospitals throughout Oregon and Washington. In times of critically low blood supply, community partners such as Papa Johns help make an impact in improving blood donor numbers.

"We're pleased to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross in the Northwest, providing free pizza certificates to those who come out to donate blood throughout August.” said Justin Druet, Papa Johns Director of Operations for the franchise group in the Portland area.

For over five years, Papa Johns has partnered with the Red Cross to support blood donors in the Pacific Northwest during the summer months, a traditionally difficult time to collect blood due to travel and summer activities.

“Millions of Americans have already experienced dangerous levels of heat this summer and disaster responses by the Red Cross have been on the rise. Here in Oregon and Washington, we’ve seen consistent wildfire activity since early June, and we haven’t fully hit the peak of wildfire season yet. All these disasters impact our ability to collect blood, as they can result in blood drive cancellations and lower donor turnout,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Cascades Region CEO.

Papa Johns is showing commitment to a stable blood supply in the Northwest, and beyond, by providing a coupon for a free large 1-topping pizza to all who come to give blood with the Red Cross in August (redeemable at participating Papa Johns locations through the end of September) at one of our fixed-site locations. The Red Cross is thankful for partners like Papa Johns, striving to make a difference and helping to remind blood donors of the critical importance of their blood donation.

"Blood donation saves lives, and there's a huge need for blood donations right now. If our pizzas provide an incentive for folks to give blood and save lives, that's exactly what we're hoping for," said Drueit during an interview while he and his team made their own donations. "We are happy to support the Red Cross in our local communities. We are locally owned and operated and we live here, so we care about what's happening here.”

As we head into the heart of the summer season, the blood supply remains critically low. More individuals are needed to donate now to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries, and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. It’s the blood on the shelves now that helps during an emergency.

You can make an impact by donating blood to help save lives. Visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you. For eligibility requirements and further information visit https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.