(image from redcrossblood.org)
The American Red Cross launched the LifeBlood Fund, a five-year, $300 million national effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s blood supply.
The LifeBlood Fund launch comes as the Red Cross announced its second-ever blood supply crisis after donations fell to a four-year summer low. According to Red Cross data, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, and the Red Cross provides nearly 40% of the nation’s supply. However, mounting pressures, including extreme weather disruptions to blood drives and long-term demographic shifts, are widening the gap between supply and demand.
The Red Cross projects that these challenges could be ongoing as the demand for blood is expected to increase 12% by 2030. The donor base has declined by 40% during the past 20 years, which officials said stretches the current blood supply beyond sustainable limits.
The campaign is intended to address these urgent challenges, including rising hospital demand, fewer donors, increasing costs and aging infrastructure. Through expanded donor engagement, advanced technology and modernized facilities, the initiative is intended to strengthen the Red Cross’s capacity to collect and deliver blood.
Red Cross volunteers Teresa and Byron Pollitt will co-chair the campaign committee. In addition to guiding the campaign’s strategy and fundraising efforts, the Pollitts are making an investment of $15 million.
The Pollitts have been involved with the Red Cross as board leaders, blood donors and philanthropic partners for more than 30 years, according to a statement from the organization. In 2024, they received the Harriman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, one of the organization’s highest honors.
