NEW JERSEY — As Memorial Day travel and outdoor activities increase across the country, the American Red Cross is urging residents to donate blood or platelets to help hospitals remain prepared for emergencies and trauma cases during the busy summer season.
The organization said maintaining an adequate blood supply is especially important as millions of Americans travel for the holiday weekend and participate in activities such as boating, swimming, camping and other outdoor recreation, where the risk of traumatic injuries can rise.
During Trauma Awareness Month, the Red Cross is encouraging donors of all blood types to schedule appointments now to help ensure blood products remain available for patients in need of transfusions and emergency care.
“Blood and platelets on hospital shelves help meet the demand when people experience critical injuries and massive bleeding,” the organization said in a statement.
To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for eligible donors. Those who donate through May 31, 2026, will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel while supplies last.
People who donate between June 1 and June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
The Red Cross said all blood types are needed to maintain a reliable supply for patients. Donors are required to present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years old in most states — or 16 with parental consent where permitted by law — may be eligible to donate if they weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health. Additional height and weight requirements apply for high school students and donors age 18 and younger.
The organization also encourages donors to use RapidPass before arriving at a blood drive to complete pre-donation reading materials and health history questionnaires online.
