A sharp decrease in donations since late spring has prompted the American Red Cross to seek donors of all blood types, especially type O blood or platelets.

This July, the Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures for the film release of “TWISTERS” to help prevent a summer blood shortage. As a prize for giving blood or platelets in July, donors will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email. Plus, those who donate July 1-14 will receive a special edition “TWISTERS” umbrella, while supplies last. July donors will also automatically be entered to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn^®. See full program details here. 

According to the Red Cross, as the hectic Fourth of July week draws near, busy summer calendars and holiday plans may prevent regular donors from being able to give blood, further heightening this shortage. Additionally, the recent increase in extreme summer weather due to climate change can result in appointment cancellations that threaten America’s blood supply. 

“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,” said Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. “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.”