Only 3% Donate Blood: Red Cross Calls for More Donors

Approximately 3% of age-eligible people in the United States donate blood yearly, creating a persistent gap between the available supply and the medical demand for blood and blood components.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. Requires blood or platelets every two seconds. These donations are essential for patients undergoing surgeries, those receiving cancer treatments, individuals with chronic illnesses, and victims of traumatic injuries.

Daily and Annual Blood Requirements

The scale of the national need is significant, with nearly 16 million blood components transfused each year in the U.S. Daily requirements include approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells, 6,500 units of plasma, and nearly 5,000 units of platelets.

Because blood and platelets cannot be manufactured, they rely entirely on volunteer donors. Hospitals most frequently request type O blood to meet these needs.

Critical Medical Applications

Blood transfusions are a critical component of oncology care. The American Red Cross states that approximately five units of blood—roughly half the amount of blood in an average human body—are needed every minute to support patients battling cancer.

The demand is driven by high diagnosis rates; the American Cancer Society reported that more than 1.9 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of these patients require blood transfusions, sometimes on a daily basis, during chemotherapy treatment.

Other chronic conditions also rely heavily on the blood supply. Sickle cell disease affects between 90,000 and 100,000 people in the U.S., with about 1,000 babies born with the disease annually. Patients with sickle cell disease may require lifelong transfusions, with the average red blood cell transfusion consisting of approximately three units.

In emergency trauma cases, the requirement for blood can escalate rapidly. A single victim of a car accident can require as many as 100 units of blood to survive.

Supply Chain Challenges and Seasonal Dips

The American Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood and blood components. However, maintaining a stable supply is challenged by seasonal trends and external factors.

Donations typically decline during late spring and early summer. This trend is particularly evident around holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day and Independence Day. In a press release dated June 14, 2025, the Red Cross noted that they collected fewer donations than were needed to maintain a stable national supply during May 2025.

Other factors that challenge donation efforts as the summer progresses include severe weather and record-breaking travel.

Donor Eligibility and Requirements

To ensure the safety of the blood supply, the Red Cross implements specific eligibility requirements for donors. In most states, individuals must be at least 17 years old to donate whole blood or platelets.

The screening process includes several checks to ensure donor and patient safety:

• Verification of iron levels.
• Inquiries regarding recent travel outside the United States.

While certain blood types are in higher demand, the Red Cross indicates that donors do not need to know their specific blood type to make a donation.

The organization utilizes global observances, such as World Blood Donor Day on June 14, to raise awareness and encourage the 97% of eligible Americans who do not currently donate to contribute to the lifesaving supply.