NEW JERSEY — The American Red Cross is urging residents to donate blood or platelets as it warns of a potential winter blood shortage that could disrupt lifesaving medical care.
The Red Cross said the blood supply remains under pressure following the holiday season, when winter weather and busy schedules made it more difficult to maintain adequate inventory for hospitals. Without increased donations, doctors may be forced to delay some blood transfusions, the organization said.
Donors with blood types O, A negative and B negative are especially needed, though all blood types are encouraged to give.
“Don’t wait – make an appointment to give blood or platelets now,” the Red Cross said, noting that donations can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
January is National Blood Donor Month, and for the seventh year, the Red Cross is partnering with the National Football League to encourage donations during the critical post-holiday period. Donors who give blood or platelets from Jan. 1 through Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
The prize includes tickets to the game, access to official pregame and Super Bowl Experience events, round-trip airfare, three nights of hotel accommodations from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, 2026, and a $1,000 gift card. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
The Red Cross is also teaming up with Pro Football Champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley to highlight the importance of regular donations during the winter months.
“I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out this fall,” Barkley said. “It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing.”
Appointments can be made by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on an Alexa Echo device.
To donate, individuals generally must be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 with parental consent where permitted, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Additional height and weight requirements apply to donors age 18 and younger.
Donors can also save time by using RapidPass to complete required reading and health history questionnaires online before arriving at a donation site.
