Gila Herald Staff Reports
PHOENIX — The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent appeal for donors of all blood types to schedule appointments to give blood or platelets as a national blood crisis continues to strain medical supplies heading into late summer.
According to Red Cross officials, adding just three additional donors to every scheduled blood drive would significantly help stabilize the supply and ensure hospitals can maintain uninterrupted patient care.
The current shortfall comes after the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in late July—only the second such declaration in the organization’s history. While thousands of donors responded to the initial call, overall inventory remains under severe pressure. The strain is further exacerbated by the annual transition to back-to-school schedules and late-summer vacations, which typically lead to lower turnout at a time when the blood supply is already at a four-year summer low.
“When fewer donors are available to give, the impact on available lifesaving blood products can be significant,” the organization noted in a release.
To help incentivize donations through the end of the month, everyone who donates blood or platelets between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card via email.
Community members who are unable to donate are encouraged to support the effort by urging eligible friends, family, and colleagues to schedule an appointment.
Donors can schedule an appointment by using the official Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
