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.
Red Cross Urges Blood Donations Amid Critical Summer Period — Exclusive Sunglasses for Blood Donors in July
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Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion, yet only 3 out of every 100 Americans donate, according to the American Red Cross.
All blood types are urgently needed, but type O blood is in especially high demand. Type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type, while type O positive can help about 80% of patients in urgent situations.
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Why blood donations are needed
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.

Free sunglasses with a blood donation to the American Red Cross.
Image: American Red Cross
You can help ... and get a gift
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.
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