The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to schedule blood donation appointments as an alarming decline in donations threatens to impact the nation’s blood supply heading into the busy summer months.

The organization says donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have a stable supply of lifesaving blood products available for patients in need.

According to the Red Cross, the combination of end-of-school activities, summer vacations, and school breaks has contributed to a significant drop in scheduled blood donations in recent weeks. The start of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1 also raises concerns, as severe weather can disrupt blood drives and limit donation opportunities in affected areas.

Red Cross officials are encouraging donors to take action now by scheduling an appointment through RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As an added incentive, individuals who donate blood between June 1 and June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Additional information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

The Red Cross emphasizes that regular blood donations are essential to maintaining an adequate supply for emergency situations, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other critical medical needs throughout the summer.