Media Contact: Winston Henvey
972-213-5330 | Winston.Henvey@redcross.org
DALLAS, July 27, 2026 — For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, and patients may already be feeling the impact. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.
Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this season’s emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now dropped below a one-day supply.
Help end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 31 will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). See RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Also, those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August.
Patients can't wait.
Despite thousands of people stepping up to help end the emergency blood shortage declared earlier this month, donations are still not keeping pace with hospital demand, and the situation has escalated. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses continue to contribute to lower donor turnout this summer.
Blood donations help save the lives of mothers giving birth, patients experiencing chronic illnesses and people who have recently suffered accidents. These are our family members, friends and neighbors who depend on a lifesaving blood supply.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”
Irving Blood and Platelet Donation Center
2511 W. Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday through Sunday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Plano Blood and Platelet Donation Center
741 N. US-75, Suite 1000
Monday and Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday through Sunday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 27-Aug. 15:
Addison
Allen
Arlington
Aubrey
Azle
Burleson
Dallas
Duncanville
Farmers Branch
Forney
Fort Worth
Frisco
Garland
Granbury
Grapevine
Lewisville
Little Elm
McKinney
Melissa
Plano
Prosper
Rowlett
Royse City
The Colony
Waxahachie
Weatherford
Wylie
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.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
