Red Cross and Armed Services Blood Program Launch Partnership to Strengthen Military and Civilian Blood Supply

Honor the spirit of Independence Day by rolling up a sleeve to give blood

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a powerful show of unity and commitment to saving lives, the American Red Cross and the Defense Health Agency's Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) have joined forces in a new partnership to fortify the nation's blood supply and support America's heroes.

This collaboration enables the Military Health System to receive life-saving blood products from the Red Cross, while expanding Red Cross blood drives on military installations and even aboard ships. The result: more opportunities for generous donors to give blood and a stronger, more resilient blood supply for both military and civilian communities.

"This partnership is a game-changer," said Dr. Mary Ann Spott, acting director of the Armed Services Blood Program. "Together, we're ensuring that our service members—whether in combat operations, in military hospitals, or on domestic bases —have access to the blood they need, while also reinforcing the civilian healthcare system."

"The Red Cross has a long history of supporting our service members and we are honored to expand our support to help those in need of vital blood transfusions," said Micah Holliman, director of national partnerships for American Red Cross Blood Services. "We are at our strongest when we come together. Blood donation is a simple yet powerful act of patriotism and compassion."

The Red Cross, ASBP, and the Department of Defense share a unified mission: to meet the blood needs of active-duty service members in times of peace and conflict. Now more than ever, this partnership enhances that mission by ensuring our nation is always prepared with a reliable, responsive blood supply that supports military operations and saves lives.

Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. All blood types are needed on an ongoing basis, but of greatest immediate need is Type O blood which doctors reach for in emergency situations. Type O negative is the universal type and Type O positive can be safely transfused to approximately 80 percent of the population. Individuals of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to donate in the coming weeks to help ensure a strong supply this summer. To find a blood drive or schedule a donation, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All who come to give July 1-14, 2025, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

This Independence Day, let us unite in the American spirit of giving and give the gift of life. One American nation. One lifesaving mission. One drop at a time.

More Ways to Give, More Lives to Save
"Working in a hospital setting in patient administration, I see firsthand how critical blood donations are," said Captain Bryan Wallace who donated blood for the first time at a Red Cross blood drive at Maxwell Air Force Base in May. "When I saw this awesome opportunity, I thought, what better time to give than now?"

Military spouses, retirees, and government civilians with base access can now donate blood at either ASBP or Red Cross drives without leaving the installation. Service members at sea will also have more chances to donate while deployed. And civilians who give blood at public Red Cross drives may support military personnel by helping maintain a robust community blood supply which will be shared with the military when needed.

"Every donation is a lifeline," said Holliman. "Whether it's a soldier overseas, a veteran at home, or a patient in a local hospital, your blood donation makes a difference."

A Legacy of Service
This partnership builds on the long-standing Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces program, which helps members of the military, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Maintaining a global presence on more than 100 military installations and deployment sites worldwide, the Red Cross provides communication between service members and their families during times of emergency. The Red Cross also aims to improve the health and wellness of people in the military community through behavioral health and wellness workshops, hospital, clinic and peer support programs and the provision of care, comfort, and therapy items.

About Blood Donation
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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About the Armed Forces Blood Program
The Armed Services Blood Program is the official Department of Defense provider of blood products for the U.S. armed forces. As a division of the Defense Health Agency, we focus on equipping service members, their families, retirees, and veterans worldwide with the lifesaving blood products needed, whether on the battlefield or in military hospitals, in peace and in war. For more information, please visit dha.mil/militaryblood.

SOURCE American Red Cross