UPDATE: The massive winter storm that blanketed large portions of the U.S. over the weekend canceled about 450 Red Cross blood drives, forcing more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected since last Friday. All who donate blood through February 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
January is traditionally a month of fresh starts, but for the American Red Cross, it marks a period of critical shortage. Between the “holiday hangover,” hectic travel schedules, and a surge in seasonal illnesses like the flu, blood donations have plummeted to dangerous levels. With winter weather threatening to cancel even more local drives, the Red Cross is sounding the alarm: without an immediate influx of donors—particularly those with Type O blood—hospitals may soon face the “impossible choice” of deciding which patients receive life-saving transfusions and which must wait.
“It has been very difficult for people to find time to donate. As a result, we’re seeing a decline in donations while seeing an increased demand for blood products from our hospitals,” Tiffany Taylor, Sr. Communications Strategist, American Red Cross Biomed Communications, tells BlackDoctor. “It’s super important for us during National Blood Donor Month to talk about where the supply stands and what the concerns are.”
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When the Shelves Run Dry: The Real-World Impact
In most cases, doctors make decisions based on the current supply and the patient’s specific needs. However, a shortage shifts that math toward a crisis footing.
“For instance, if a patient is scheduled for an elective procedure, they may be asked to delay or postpone it simply because there may not be enough blood available. Blood is often needed for surgical procedures, but if it’s a critical situation where a person must have a procedure and needs blood products on standby, then doctors have to prioritize,” Taylor explains.
This impact is felt deeply within the Black community, particularly for patients living with sickle cell anemia. These patients often experience an uptick in crises and hospitalizations during the colder months, requiring vital transfusions. A shortage can lead to a situation where they have to wait for a transfusion, depending on doctor availability, the supply of matched blood products, and the severity of their case.
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The “Be Like Saquon” Campaign: Leveraging the NFL
To combat this decline, the Red Cross has partnered with the NFL for seven years. This year, they are leveraging the partnership through Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, hoping to inspire more people to consider rolling up their sleeves.
“We are so thankful for the NFL and this annual partnership. It comes during one of the toughest months of the year, which is National Blood Donor Month,” Taylor adds. “With their influence and reach, they are able to encourage people to come out and donate for a chance to win tickets to the Super Bowl. We always see an uptick this time of year because of it.”
To date, this collaboration has inspired more than 150,000 people to donate blood for the first time—an incentive Barkley is personally championing by returning to the donor chair for the first time in years.
“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,” Barkley says. “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.”
A Message of Resiliency
The campaign motto, “Be Like Saquon,” carries a theme of resiliency that resonates beyond the football field.
“Sometimes you haven’t donated in a long time because life gets busy, and you might wonder if your one contribution will even make a difference. The truth is, yes, it will,” Taylor shares. “Saquon shared with us that he was excited to get back in the donor chair and make a difference after not being able to do so for a number of years. ‘Be Like Saquon’ is a message of resiliency—no matter where you are in life, you have the opportunity to make a difference. It’s reflective of who he is as a human being and an athlete.”
The incentive for donors is massive: All who come to give blood or platelets through January 25, 2026, will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
The winner and a guest will receive:
- Two tickets to the game and access to pre-game activities.
- Tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience.
- Round-trip airfare and three-night hotel accommodations.
- A $1,000 gift card for expenses.
For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl
Ready to Save a Life? Tips for Your Next Donation
Whether you are stepping into the donor chair for the first time or returning after a long hiatus, a little preparation ensures a smooth and successful experience:
- Boost Your Iron: In the week leading up to your appointment, focus on meals rich in iron (like spinach, lean red meat, or fortified cereals) paired with Vitamin C to help with absorption.
- Hydrate Early: Drink an extra 16 ounces of water shortly before you arrive at the donation center to help your circulation and ease the process.
- Don’t Go Alone: Everything is better with a partner. Invite a friend to donate with you to turn a life-saving act into a community mission.
Take Action Today
The need for blood is urgent, and your single contribution can save up to three lives. Don’t wait for a crisis to act—join the ranks of “resilient” donors like Saquon Barkley.
Make Your Appointment Now at RedCrossBlood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App to find a drive in your neighborhood!
