Red Cross: Donors Urged to Give Blood and Platelets Amid Blood Supply Drop

Upcoming opportunities in Florence, Ky.

Shutterstock photo.

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35 percent drawdown of blood products in the past month. 

Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities January 20 through February 3: 

Florence, KY

• 1/30/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Florence Mall, 2028 Mall Rd
• 2/3/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Florence Mall, 2028 Mall Rd

High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the Red Cross national blood supply. 

Book an appointment to give blood and platelets now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you to donors for helping tackle the blood shortage, those who come to give through January 25 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. The winner and guest will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX, access to day-of, in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.

All who come to give January 26 through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.