Since July 1, 2024, the Red Cross’s national blood supply has decreased by more than 25%. The demand for blood is constant, and the Red Cross is the principal blood provider for more than 60 hospitals in Washington and Oregon. When there is a significant shortage of blood, community partners like Papa Johns can help increase the number of donors.
“We’re pleased to have just finished our fifth year of partnership with the American Red Cross Northwest Region, providing free pizza certificates to those who come out to donate blood in July and August.” said Andy Dunn, Director of Operations at one of the Papa Johns franchise groups in the Seattle area.
This five-year partnership has helped to support blood donors during the summer months, a traditionally difficult time to collect blood due to travel and summer activities.
“Millions of Americans have experienced dangerous levels of heat this summer, and at one point in July, nearly 50% of Americans coast-to-coast were under heat alerts. Here in Washington, we’ve seen consistent wildfire activity since June. All these disasters impact our ability to collect blood, as they can result in blood drive cancellations and lower donor turnout,” said Megan Snow, Director of Corporate Partnerships for the American Red Cross Northwest Region.
Papa Johns demonstrated their commitment to a stable blood supply in the Northwest Region and beyond by offering a coupon for a free large 2-topping pizza to all Red Cross blood donors in July and August (redeemable at participating stores). The Red Cross is grateful for partners like Papa Johns who are working to make a difference and reminding blood donors of the crucial value of their donations.
“Blood donation saves lives, and there’s a huge need for blood donations right now. If our pizzas provide an incentive for folks to give blood and save lives, that’s exactly what we’re hoping for,” said Dunn. “We are happy to support the Red Cross in our local communities. We are locally owned and operated and we live here, so we care about what’s happening here.”
Even though summer is soon coming to a close, the blood supply is still critically low. More people need to donate blood right now to aid patients who rely on it to save their lives after accidents, during surgeries, and for the treatment of illnesses like sickle cell disease and cancer. Blood cannot be manufactured or stored; it can only be made available via the generosity of voluntary donors. The blood on the shelf now comes in handy during an emergency.
You can make an impact by donating blood to help save lives. Visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you. For eligibility requirements and further information visit https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.