NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The American Red Cross announced its LifeBlood Fund, a five-year, $300 million national effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s blood supply — ensuring that every patient in the United States has access to lifesaving blood when and where it is needed.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and the Red Cross provides nearly 40% of the nation’s supply. However, mounting pressures — including extreme weather disruptions to blood drives and long-term demographic shifts — are widening the gap between supply and demand.

The Red Cross projects that these challenges could be ongoing as the demand for blood is expected to increase 12% by 2030. At the same time, the donor base has declined by 40% over the past 20 years, stretching the current blood supply beyond sustainable limits. This campaign aims to address these urgent challenges, including rising hospital demand, fewer donors, increasing costs and aging infrastructure. Through expanded donor engagement, advanced technology and modernized facilities, the initiative will strengthen the Red Cross capacity to collect and deliver lifesaving blood.

To help guide this effort, dedicated Red Cross philanthropist Teresa Nacarato will serve on the campaign committee alongside a distinguished group of volunteers.

• Susan Baker, The Betty Bazar Foundation
• Erica Dayton, The Golisano Foundation
• Tad Hutcheson, Delta Air Lines
• Elissa Gifford
• Brenda L. Johnson
• Barb Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah
• Teresa and Byron Pollitt, campaign co-chairs
• Kevin and Patricia Terrazas

“A safe and reliable blood supply doesn't happen by accident. It takes committed donors, dedicated volunteers and resources to support lifesaving work every day. The challenges we faced during this summer's blood crisis reinforced the importance of investing in the future. The LifeBlood Fund helps strengthen the Red Cross' ability to provide lifesaving blood products whenever and wherever they're needed, and I'm proud to help champion that mission.”

Teresa and Mike Nacarato have been dedicated supporters of the American Red Cross for many years. After learning more about the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle from her long-time friend Jennifer Wolcott, Teresa joined in 2019. Since then, she has participated in numerous events, including the DC Summit, the International Red Cross Ball in Palm Beach, and the Tiffany Circle International Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. Each experience has deepened her understanding of the many ways the Red Cross supports people around the world. Through Tiffany Circle, Teresa has also met many remarkable and generous women involved in the work of the Red Cross both locally and internationally.

The Nacarato's are members of the Chairman’s Council Circle and have a strong affinity for Biomedical Services. Their generosity has supported several important initiatives, including the Tiffany Circle Sickle Cell Campaign, the purchase of an apheresis machine, a Biomedical Services vehicle and the replacement of the Nashville laboratory freezer—an urgent and critical need for the region.

“Teresa Nacarato exemplifies the best of volunteer leadership,” said Joel Sullivan, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross of Tennessee region. “Thanks to her strategic guidance, this campaign is laying the foundation to strengthen the nation’s blood supply and continuing to ensure patients receive the lifesaving care they need.”

The American Red Cross invites individuals, foundations and organizations to join this effort to strengthen the nation’s blood system and ensure that every patient receives the care they depend on. Learn more about the LifeBlood Fund and schedule an appointment to give blood today.

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.