[PORTLAND, June 24, 2026] — The American Red Cross is making an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to book an appointment to give now to ensure hospitals stay ready to help patients without delay.

As people get ready for summer adventures and big national festivities, the Red Cross and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products are partnering to remind everyone of something important: the need for blood never goes on vacation. Individuals can join our squad to honor the country’s 250th anniversary and America’s spirit of service by giving blood: All who come to give June 29-July 12 will receive a classic Red Cross x Looney Tunes T-shirt, while supplies last.

See RedCrossBlood.org/LooneyTunes for details.

Celebrate stars, stripes and saving lives. Book a time to donate blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Summer pressures rise

This Independence Day, along with the Looney Tunes characters, we're inspiring a new generation of heroes ─ with a cartoon twist ─ at a time when every donation is critical to keeping the blood supply strong amid growing hurdles. Aside from summer travel and packed calendars, severe summer weather can also rapidly impact the ability to collect lifesaving blood products. Additionally, scheduled donations, which account for 90% of all Red Cross blood donations, have continued to drop sharply in recent weeks, highlighting just how essential it is to make and keep donation appointments all summer long.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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.