Due to severe blood shortages in the U.S., the American Red Cross has begun a blood donation drive that will continue until February 28. Donors within this period are eligible to receive a $20 e-gift card.
American Red Cross offers blood donors $20 e-gift cards
The American Red Cross has publicized in a post on X that it will be awarding blood donors e-gift cards worth $20 in a donation drive that will last until February 28. This initiative is designed to tackle the severe blood shortages affecting hospitals in the U.S.
The demand for blood from hospitals in the U.S. is now surpassing the available supply of blood. This has reportedly depleted the American Red Cross blood supply by about 35% over the past month.
However, the shortage has been more severe for platelets and Type O, A negative, and B negative blood. The American Red Cross has said that patients face serious risk without immediate action.
“For many patients receiving urgent medical care, the need for blood doesn’t stop for winter activities or inclement weather. That’s why we need donors like you! Get a $20 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice when you come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026,” the organisation’s website read.
Moreover, the $20 gift cards offered by the American Red Cross to blood donors are not redeemable for cash. A donor is eligible for only one gift card unless stated otherwise.
Blood shortages rocking American healthcare system
The blood shortages affecting U.S. healthcare have been attributed to the severe winter storms and high flu activity in the region. These factors have prevented donors from giving blood and participating in blood donation drives.
About 400 blood drives were reportedly cancelled due to the winter storms. This has made thousands of blood donations go uncollected.
The situation is affecting treatment plans and the wellbeing of patients. Hospitals might be forced to delay surgeries and emergency care due to the lack of blood for transfusion.
Rick Pollack, the President and CEO of the American Hospital Association, has described blood donations as lifelines for countless patients. He has also said that the numbers of blood donors have dwindled alarmingly.
“A person needs lifesaving blood every two seconds in our country — and its availability can be the difference between life and death. However, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve to donate,” he noted.
