Thank you for joining us as we kick off GAPNA’s Acute Care Special Interest Group’s SleevesUp Campaign in partnership with the American Red Cross. As advanced practice nurses dedicated to caring for adults and older adults in some of their most vulnerable moments, we understand better than anyone the profound impact a single blood donation can make. Every day, across ICUs, emergency departments, surgical suites, and step-down units, we witness firsthand how one unit of blood can mean the difference between losing hope and saving a life.

January is recognized nationwide as Blood Donor Awareness Month, and this year, we are stepping forward with purpose. We are challenging ourselves, our colleagues, our networks, and our communities to roll up their sleeves for a cause that is not just meaningful, but urgently needed. Winter is one of the most difficult times for the nation’s blood supply. Severe weather, seasonal illnesses, and holiday slowdowns create dangerous shortages. Meanwhile, patients in our care continue to rely on transfusions for trauma stabilization, complex surgeries, oncology treatments, chronic disease management, and unexpected emergencies.

Roll up your sleeves. Donate if you can. Spread the message if you cannot. And together, let us ensure that no patient’s outcome is determined by a shortage of the most precious resource we can give, life itself.

As of late January 2026, the American Red Cross has declared a severe national blood shortage, with inventory dropping by approximately 35% in the past month due to winter storms and high respiratory illness rates. Due to this, we are extending our campaign to include the Month of February.

Let’s make January and February months of hope, generosity, and lifesaving impact.

Sleeves up, everyone! Let’s save lives together.