The American Red Cross has issued an urgent national call for donors following an alarming 25% decline in blood donations throughout June. The severe drop has triggered an emergency blood shortage, threatening patient care across hospitals during the height of summer trauma season.

• Current Deficit: Weekly Red Cross distributions to hospitals are outpacing expected levels by nearly 3,500 units per week.

• Most Critical Needs: Platelets, O-positive, and B-negative blood types.

• Primary Causes: A steep drop in turnout since late May driven by busy summer schedules, routine travel, and the seasonal loss of school-hosted blood drives.

“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”

A recent Red Cross survey highlights a stark disconnect between public perception and the realities of medical supply chains:

• Perishable Lifeline: Fewer than 1 in 5 people realize blood cannot be stockpiled; it has a short shelf life and requires continuous replenishment.

• Underestimated Need: Only about 50% of respondents thought it likely that they or a loved one would ever need blood—despite a transfusion occurring every two seconds in the United States.

To incentivize donors, anyone who gives blood between July 13 and July 31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket via email (valued up to $15).

To schedule an appointment, download the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Local Donation Opportunities (July 13–31):

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 13-31:

Anderson

Clinton

7/15/2026: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Anderson County Detention Facility, 308 Public Safety Ln

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Cumberland

Crossville

7/20/2026: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., First Congregational Church Crossville, 1694 Lantana Rd

7/28/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Crossville First Methodist Church, 69 Neecham Street

8/11/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Crossville First Methodist Church, 69 Neecham Street

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Knox

Farragut

7/14/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Boulevard

Knoxville

7/16/2026: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., East Tennessee American Red Cross, 6921 Middlebrook Pike

7/29/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., East Tennessee American Red Cross, 6921 Middlebrook Pike

8/13/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., East Tennessee American Red Cross, 6921 Middlebrook Pike