With the Fourth of July fast approaching, the American Red Cross is calling on the public to be a powerful force for good by donating blood. This summer, in collaboration with Universal Pictures' upcoming film "TWISTERS,"the Red Cross aims to bolster blood donations and support disaster relief efforts.

As vacation plans and holiday activities ramp up, the Red Cross reports a sharp decrease in blood donations since late spring. All blood types are urgently needed, with a particular call for type O blood and platelet donors.

"You can be the difference between someone's storm and their sunshine," the Red Cross emphasized, highlighting the critical need for donations to maintain sufficient blood supplies.

Challenges in summer donations

The summer season presents unique challenges for blood collection. Full schedules and holiday travels can deter regular donors, while severe weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes pose risks that may lead to blood drive cancellations. Despite these obstacles, the Red Cross is determined to keep lifesaving blood products available for those in need. Donors can book appointments via www.RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

"TWISTERS"

To combat a potential summer blood shortage, the Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures. From July 1-31, blood or platelet donors will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email. Additionally, donors from July 1-14 will receive an exclusive "TWISTERS" and Red Cross umbrella, while supplies last. A special bonus for all July donors includes an automatic entry to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn®. Complete details can be found at www.RedCrossBlood.org/Twisters.

Disaster relief and climate impact

Recent extreme weather, including a historic heat wave and severe tornado activity, has caused significant damage and increased the demand for blood. In states like Arkansas, Ohio and Nebraska, recovery continues from one of the most active tornado seasons on record. According to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, these events have tragically impacted communities and strained blood supplies. And here in coastal Alabama, we know the effects hurricanes can have.

"The Red Cross is grateful to have partners like Universal Pictures who are not only lending this support to encourage blood donations during this critical time of year but have also generously donated to help support disaster relief," said Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. "Because of the climate crisis, the Red Cross is now launching twice as many relief operations for major disasters than we did a decade ago. And disasters are not only straining our relief operations but also our ability to collect lifesaving blood donations. So far this year we have collected 20,000 fewer blood donations due to severe weather."

The Red Cross has responded to 20 tornado-related disasters across 13 states in the first five months of the year. Meteorologists predict that powerful and destructive storms will continue as the effects of the climate crisis persist. This trend highlights the need for sustained blood donations to support disaster response efforts.

How to donate

To donate blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. A blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by law), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. High school students and donors aged 18 and younger must meet specific height and weight requirements.

Donors can expedite their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete pre-donation reading and health history online on the day of their donation. For more information and instructions, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

This summer, dare to be a force of nature. Support the American Red Cross by donating blood or making a financial contribution at www.RedCross.org.