Drop in Red Cross blood supply spurs plea for donors. How to give in Tri-Cities
The American Red Cross has issued an urgent plea for blood and platelet donors after an “alarming” drop in donations ahead of the busy summer season.
“Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges,” the organization said in a May 28 news release.
Scheduled donations, which account for 90% of all blood donations, have dropped sharply in recent weeks, the Red Cross said.
The decline is “especially troubling” because blood collection can already be difficult with end-of-school activities, travel and school breaks, the Red Cross said.
“As a result, the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week, raising concerns that the decline could worsen as we enter trauma season,” the agency said.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, severe injuries from car crashes, all-terrain vehicle wrecks, sports and other summer activities skyrocket.
“Every minute matters,” Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross, said in the release. ”For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11% for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical.”
Who can donate blood?
Here’s what you need to know in order to donate blood:
- All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
- A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
- Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
- High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Where to donate blood or platelets in Tri-Cities
The American Red Cross has a permanent blood and platelet donation center at 7202 West Deschutes Ave. in Kennewick.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, plus 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The donation center is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
You can book donation appointments online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Additionally, there are numerious blood drives coming up across Tri-Cities.
Here’s when and where:
- Wednesday, June 10: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kennewick Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7105 West 10th Ave. in Kennewick
- Thursday, June 11: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Consolidated Information Center, 2770 Crimson Way in Richland
- Friday, June 12: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., PNW Collection, 507 Knight St. in Richland
- Friday, June 12: Noon to 5 p.m., Steptoe Fit Body Boot Camp, 8804 West Victoria Ave. in Kennewick
How can I make an appointment?
The American Red Cross urges potential donors to schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Each donor who comes in through Sunday, June 28, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, and be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 12:59 PM with the headline "Drop in Red Cross blood supply spurs plea for donors. How to give in Tri-Cities."