Red Cross offers incentive for blood, platelet donors after 2nd ever national blood supply crisis

The American Red Cross is offering a cash incentive to donate blood ahead of the winter holidays after the organization declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis this year. As we lean into fall activities, keeping blood and platelet donation appointments on the books is crucial to ensuring hospitals have the tools they need to care for patients this fall, the organization said in a news release issued Oct. 21. Anyone who gives blood to the American Red Cross through Nov. 22 will get up to $20 gift cards, the news release said. That includes a $10 Amazon gift card and 500 bonus points that can be redeemed for an e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards. According to the organization, the promotion started Oct. 22. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, are needed to keep the blood supply steady ahead of the holiday rush, the Red Cross said. MORE: You can expect new screening questions if you donate blood in Illinois The organ