The American Red Cross has less than one day's supply of Type O positive blood nationwide and is asking Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County residents to book donation appointments immediately.
The organization declared a national blood supply crisis on Tuesday, July 28, marking only the second such emergency in its 145-year history. The first was in January 2022, during the Omicron variant surge.
"Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible," Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, said in the organization's announcement.
What's behind the shortage
Blood donations fell to a four-year summer low in 2026, according to the Red Cross. The organization attributes the decline to extreme heat, poor air quality, and widespread foodborne illnesses keeping potential donors home. The national blood supply dropped roughly 25% in June, and the Red Cross first issued a blood emergency on July 13. Conditions have worsened since.
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and has begun limiting distribution of Type O blood to individual hospitals. Platelet levels are also critically low. Only about 3% of eligible Americans donate blood in a given year.
Where Walnut Creek residents can give
The nearest permanent Red Cross donation center is the Pleasant Hill Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center at 140 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, about three miles from downtown Walnut Creek.
Hours vary by day: Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Red Cross advises calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting RedCrossBlood.org to confirm hours and schedule an appointment. Residents can also search by zip code for mobile blood drives closer to home.
Incentives for donors
All donors who give by Friday, July 31, will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email, valued up to $15. Type O donors who give between July 18 and July 31 receive a bonus $20 e-gift card. Donors who give in August will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, according to the Red Cross website.
Community calendar
- Blood donation appointments: Book at RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-733-2767. Pleasant Hill center open seven days a week.
- Fandango ticket incentive deadline: Friday, July 31
- Red Cross Bay Area Chapter: 195 Brandon Road, Pleasant Hill. Phone: (925) 603-7400
