For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.

Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this season’s emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now dropped below a one-day supply.

Help end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 31 will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). See RedCrossBlood.org/July.

Additionally, those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August.

Patients can’t wait

Despite thousands of people who have stepped up to help end the emergency blood shortage since it was declared earlier this month, donations are still not keeping pace with hospital demand, and the situation has escalated. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses continue to contribute to lower donor turnout this summer.

“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 27-Aug. 15:

Anaheim

• 7/28/2026: 11 am – 4 pm, West Anaheim Medical Center, 3033 West Orange Ave
• 7/29/2026: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm, Anaheim Central Library, 500 W Broadway
• 7/29/2026: 12 pm – 5 pm, Canyon Hills Library, 400 S Scout Trail
• 7/30/2026: 10 am – 3 pm, Kaiser Permanente Orange County Anaheim Medical Center, 3440 E La Palma Ave
• 8/7/2026: 1 pm – 6 pm, Anaheim Marketplace, 1440 S Anaheim Blvd
• 8/12/2026: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center, 320 E Orangewood Ave

Brea

• 7/30/2026: 9 am – 2:30 pm, KPRS Group, Inc., 2850 Saturn St
• 8/3/2026: 12 pm – 6 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 820 W. Imperial Hwy
• 8/13/2026: 1 pm – 6 pm, North Hills Church, 3100 E Birch St

Buena Park

• 7/30/2026: 12 pm – 5 pm, Buena Park Downtown, 8308 On the Mall
• 8/12/2026: 1 pm – 6 pm, Guidestone Church, 5600 Crescent Ave

Fullerton

• Red Cross Fullerton Blood Donation Center, 1379 S Harbor Blvd. See RedCrossBlood.org for hours
• 7/29/2026: 11 am – 5 pm, Fullerton Public Library, 353 W Commonwealth Ave
• 8/4/2026: 11 am – 4 pm, St Jude Medical Center, 101 E Valencia Mesa Dr

Placentia

• 8/13/2026: 1 pm – 7 pm, Placentia Presbyterian Church, 849 Bradford Ave

Yorba Linda

• 7/27/2026: 12 pm – 6 pm, Yorba Linda Masonic Center, 4847 Main St
• 7/29/2026: 9 am – 3 pm, Keller Williams, 19631 Yorba Linda Blvd
• 8/3/2026: 12 pm – 5 pm, The Richard Nixon Presidential Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
• 8/10/2026: 12 pm – 6 pm, Yorba Linda Masonic Center, 4847 Main St

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About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.