Red Cross seeks blood donors amid declining blood supply

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

A person with a bandaged arm relaxes on a chair, smiling, while another person wearing a Red Cross badge engages in conversation. — *A donor gives blood at an American Red Cross blood drive.*

The American Red Cross has declared a blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply declined nearly 25 percent in June. Blood donations are especially needed for platelets and blood types O positive and B negative to help meet ongoing patient needs.

A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see increased demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. In addition, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives have contributed to the decline, making it more difficult to maintain an adequate blood supply.

The most important way to help address the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-733-2767. As a thank you, those who donate through July 31, 2026, will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July.

Blood supply misconceptions

Every donation is critical to rebuilding the nation’s blood supply, yet many people may not realize the significant impact a single donation can have on patients in need. A recent Red Cross survey revealed a significant gap between public perception and the reality of the nation’s blood supply:

Less than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors.
Only about half believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need blood one day — even though someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.

“A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesaving treatments and critical access points to care are not possible,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “Emergency departments, operating rooms, and labor and delivery units can’t support patients with the most urgent needs, and cancer patients must wait. We’re asking donors to give now before doctors are forced to make those difficult decisions.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Apple Valley

July 28: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Redeemer Church, 22434 Nisqually Rd.

Chino

July 21: Noon to 5 p.m., The Commons at College Park, 6325 Eucalyptus Ave.
July 22: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 5500 Francis Ave.
July 30: 1 to 6 p.m., Homecoming at The Preserve, 16250 Homecoming Dr.

Chino Hills

July 22: 1 to 6 p.m., Avalon Chino Hills, 5685 Park Dr.

Fontana

July 22: 1 to 6 p.m., Loveland Church, 17977 Merrill Ave.
July 29: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kaiser Permanente, 9961 Sierra Ave.

Hesperia

July 17: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., city of Hesperia, 9650 Seventh Ave.

Ontario

July 23: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kaiser Permanente, 2295 S. Vineyard Ave.

Rancho Cucamonga

July 21: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, 10850 Arrow Route
July 23: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., AMR Rancho Cucamonga, 7925 Center Ave.
July 28: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hampton Inn & Suites Rancho Cucamonga, 11669 Foothill Blvd.
July 29: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Hill Country Club, 8358 Red Hill Country Club Dr.

Rialto

July 27: 1 to 6 p.m., Ayres Hotel Rialto, 1495 W. Renaissance Pkwy.

Upland

July 18: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Scheu Family YMCA of Upland, 1150 E. Foothill Blvd.
July 22: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pacific Community Center, 814 Alpine St.
July 29: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 785 N. San Antonio Ave.

Victorville

July 26: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bear Valley Country Club, 13229 Spring Valley Pkwy.

Additional County Update News – July 16, 2026