June 30, 2026
The Gift Only You Can Give: Why Blood Donation Matters This Summer
Donate Blood and Save Lives
Have you ever considered donating blood? There’s always a need and the impact is greater than you might think. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save up to three lives.
Why your donation matters — especially right now
Summer is one of the most critical times of year for blood donations. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, trauma cases spike as warm weather brings more car accidents, recreational injuries and outdoor emergencies. Hospitals see increased demand just as donations drop by up to 20% as regular donors go on vacation and school and college blood drives pause for the season.
At the same time, blood has a very short shelf life (about 42 days for red blood cells), so even a healthy supply can be rapidly depleted by a single holiday weekend or unexpected crisis. Every donation truly counts.
The need is constant and urgent
The numbers tell a powerful story:
- Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
- The American Red Cross collects approximately 13,000 blood donations every day just to keep up with patient needs.
- One in seven people who enter a hospital will need blood.
- Cancer patients alone account for more than a quarter of all blood used nationwide.
- Over 4.5 million lives are saved each year through blood transfusions.
Despite this incredible need, only about 3% of eligible Americans donate blood each year even though roughly 62% of the population qualifies. Spreading the word can make a real difference.
Expanding the donor community
There’s also a growing need for more diverse donors. Currently, only about 12% of whole blood donations come from minority donors, yet patients often benefit most from blood that closely matches their own type. Additionally, youth donations have fallen sharply. Donations from 16–18-year-olds dropped by about 60% between 2019 and 2021, largely due to fewer school-based drives during the pandemic.
If you’ve never donated before, now is a wonderful time to start. Someone who begins donating at age 17 and gives every 56 days could contribute up to 48 gallons of blood over a lifetime — a truly remarkable legacy.
Fun fact: Even dogs can donate blood! Healthy dogs that meet weight and health requirements can give at veterinary clinics. Check with your vet to learn more.
How you can help
Whether you give your time, your blood, or a financial contribution, every act of generosity helps keep life-saving supplies on hand.
- Donate blood — Schedule a one-hour appointment with the American Red Cross or visit a Bloodworks Northwest popup drive, hosted regularly on the UW campus and in neighborhoods throughout the region.
- Give financially — Consider a monthly gift through the UWCFD to support member organizations working to maintain a stable blood supply.
- Volunteer your time — Help organize local drives or assist at donation events in your community.
Blood is one of the most precious gifts one person can give another. It can’t be manufactured. It can only come from generous people like you. Your decision to donate could mean everything to someone you’ll never meet.
Schedule your donation today. Your gift makes a difference.
