Red Cross Urges Blood Donations Amid Critical Summer Period — Exclusive Sunglasses for Blood Donors in July

By rolling up a sleeve in early July, you can be a summer hero and help ensure hospitals have the blood supply they need to respond to emergencies and support patients year-round. Plus, you'll get a stylish new accessory. 

Summer is often called “trauma season” by medical professionals due to an increase in traumatic injuries from activities like travel and outdoor recreation. The weeks surrounding the July 4 holiday are among the most difficult of the year for blood collection, since fewer groups are available to host drives and donors are busy enjoying summer plans.

Of course, patients don’t get a summer break from needing blood: from trauma victims to cancer patients, new mothers, and individuals living with sickle cell disease, transfusions are a daily, critical need. In fact, 1 in 7 patients entering a hospital will require a blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross.

To encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering an exclusive summer thank-you gift: individuals who donate blood from July 1 through July 14, 2025, will receive a pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses (while supplies last). Known for their stylish, no-slip designs that's loved by runners and outdoor enthusiasts, goodr sunglasses are the perfect accessory for summer — and a fun way to show you’ve helped save lives.

For more information on how to donate and to find a local blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org.