Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (June 29, 2026) — With Fourth of July travel expected to pull millions of Americans away from their regular routines, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging blood donors to make an appointment now as the availability of type O blood and platelets has dropped about 20% in recent weeks.
To bring attention to a difficult summer stretch for blood collection, the Red Cross of Utah is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes™ gang. Beginning June 29, those who come to give blood with the Red Cross by July 12 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross x Looney Tunes T-shirt, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/LooneyTunes for details.
“Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang give the Red Cross a fun way to share an important message this summer,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Summer can be a difficult time for blood collection, and every donation appointment helps the Red Cross maintain the blood supply hospitals depend on each day.”
Summer Decline in Blood Donations
Scheduled blood donation appointments have dropped sharply nationwide in recent weeks. Nearly 90% of all blood donations come from scheduled appointments, so even a small dip in bookings can quickly strain the supply.
Donations often fall during the summer as the school year ends, families travel and daily routines change. Hospitals need blood every day, and donated blood has a limited shelf life. Regular donations help keep the blood supply stable through the summer months.
Donors can make appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Why a Drop in Type O Blood and Platelets Matters
In recent weeks, the Red Cross has seen about a 20% drop in the availability of type O blood and platelets. These donations are used every day for trauma care, surgeries and cancer treatment. Maintaining the supply can be more difficult during the summer, when travel and changing schedules often lead to a decline in blood donations.
Type O blood is important in emergency care. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to people with a positive blood type, which includes about 80% of the population. Type O negative can be given to patients of any blood type. Only about 7% of the population has type O negative blood, but hospitals rely on it in emergencies.
Platelets also are in constant demand, with more than half of donated platelets going to cancer patients. Platelets must be used within five days of donation, so regular donations are important to help maintain the supply.
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.
