As we welcome in 2026, many Americans are thinking about what they want to focus on in the year ahead. Surveys show that the most common New Year's resolutions for 2026 mirror those of years past:

• exercising more
• eating healthier
• saving money
• improving physical health
• losing weight
   

Americans typically view their resolutions as personal goals or self-improvement plans—benchmarks measured in pounds lost, dollars saved, or miles run. But what if this annual intention-setting could be reframed as an opportunity to help others?

The American Red Cross offers an array of opportunities to make a tangible difference in your community and across the country, most notably through blood donation. Because individuals can donate blood once every eight weeks, it's possible to give up to six times a year, an opportunity to turn a simple act of generosity into a sustained commitment.

For Nashville resident Ryan Meyer, giving blood became more than just a good deed:

"Since the pandemic, I've been trying to donate blood more often, and for 2025, I thought, what if I made a concerted effort to hit the maximum number of times that I can give blood?" Meyer explains. "So it turned into a goal for the year."

What drew Ryan to this particular resolution was its unique combination of simplicity and significance:

"I've been seeking out ways to make a difference in my local community, and few things are as impactful as giving blood," he says. "It takes less than an hour, I can usually book an appointment the day before, or even the day of, and I trust the Red Cross to make sure my blood gets to someone who needs it most."

For Ryan, the experience has been enriched by the ability to see his impact in real time.

"I also love being able to track the journey of my donation in the app and see when and where it's received," he notes.

When Ryan went in for his sixth donation in December, the Red Cross staff marked the moment with festive cheer.

"It was fun to donate during the holidays. The Nashville Red Cross chapter headquarters was decorated, and they had Christmas music playing. Everyone was in a festive mood! It was a fun way to give back as part of my holiday season," he recalls.

Ryan’s story illustrates how making a New Year's resolution about helping others can lead to helping throughout the year.

This year, as you consider your own resolutions, ask yourself: What if one of your goals could save a life? The American Red Cross makes it possible, one donation at a time.

To schedule your first appointment of 2026, visit RedCrossBlood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor app today.