Red Cross Urges Blood Donations Amid Summer Shortage

As June draws to a close and the nation looks ahead to Independence Day festivities, the American Red Cross is making an urgent appeal: donate blood, and do it now.

The summer season—especially the weeks around the Fourth of July—is one of the most challenging times of year to maintain a healthy blood supply. With regular donors on vacation, schools closed, and many businesses unable to host blood drives, donations drop just as demand spikes due to increased outdoor activity and traumatic injuries.

“This time of year falls within what we call the ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer,’” said John Vale, Executive Director of the Red Cross’s Hudson Valley Chapter, in an interview with Radio Catskill. “More people are on the roads, out on boats, camping, and just enjoying life—but that can also lead to accidents and a greater need for blood.”

Type O blood is in particularly high demand. Type O-negative is the universal donor used in emergency rooms when a patient’s blood type is unknown, while O-positive can be safely transfused to about 80% of the population. “Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” Vale emphasized. “We rely on type O during those critical moments.”

To help meet the urgent need, the Hudson Valley Red Cross has launched a new initiative: Banking on Life. The campaign teams up with local financial institutions to sponsor a series of blood drives in July. Participating partners include M&T Bank, Ulster Savings Bank, Hudson Valley Credit Union, and Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union.

The first blood drive kicks off Tuesday, July 1, with additional drives scheduled throughout the month. All blood types are welcome, and each appointment helps ensure that hospitals have the lifesaving supply they need.

Vale encourages potential donors to make an appointment by visiting redcross.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. “And if you make an appointment, please try to keep it,” he said. “Emergencies happen, but every pint counts.”

In addition to urging blood donations, the Red Cross is sharing safety reminders for those heading outdoors or using fireworks during the holiday weekend. Resources, including a first aid app, weather alerts, and emergency tips, are available for free on the Red Cross website and app stores.

“Whether it’s taking a first aid course or just being more aware, there are small steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones this summer,” Vale said.

Want to Help?

Schedule a blood donation: redcross.org or 1-800-RED-CROSS

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App

Find local Banking on Life blood drives by ZIP code

Stay Safe This Summer:

Visit redcross.org/summersafety for holiday safety tips

Take a first aid or CPR course

Download the Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps

Image: The Red Cross says trauma incidents tend to increase during the summer months, which is also a time when donations tend to fall off. (Credit: RedCross.org)