The summer months can be among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they take vacation and participate in summer activities.

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
Eligible donors can feel good knowing that by donating through the Red Cross they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also family and friends across the nation.

Donations are urgently needed now from new and current donors to fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks. Please make an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and Power Reds can be donated every 112 days.
Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year.