Medical treatments don’t take a holiday: Give blood now
The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood to keep the blood supply as strong as possible in the final days of the year and into 2026.
Types O, A negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now.
Record-setting travel is happening across the country. With more people headed away from home, blood donations can dip at a crucial time when patients count on care. Bad weather or shifting travel schedules could force donors to cancel or reschedule donation appointments and tighten the blood supply.
Schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give through Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you’re unable to give blood, consider making a financial donation at redcross.org/mndaks.
How to donate blood
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or use the Blood Donor App.
Volunteers are also welcome. Visit redcross.org/givetime for more information.
Upcoming Blood Drives include Hayfield, Jan. 2, 2026, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 2nd Ave, NE; and Byron, Jan. 7, 2026 12-6 p.m., Somerby Golf Club, 975 Somerby Pkwy. NE.