The “Letter” Patients Need Most? O

News Summary:

• In partnership with The Red Cross, Wheel of Fortune is encouraging donors, especially those with type O blood, to help strengthen the blood supply ahead of the holiday season, when donations historically decline by about one-third between Thanksgiving and New Year's.
• Individuals who come to give blood or platelets Nov. 23-Dec. 6 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Wheel of Fortune oversized mug, while supplies last. Donors during the campaign will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Los Angeles, including admission to a Wheel of Fortune taping.
• Now through the holiday season, making and keeping blood donation appointments is especially important. Schedule your appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org/WheelofFortune .

As the holiday season approaches, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to make blood donation part of their plans. Blood donations historically decline by about one-third between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Type O blood plays a critical role in emergency care, making donations especially important to maintaining a reliable blood supply for patients who need transfusions. To encourage more people to roll up their sleeves this Thanksgiving, the Red Cross and Wheel of Fortune are teaming up to remind donors that A, B and O aren't just letters on a puzzleboard - they're lifesaving blood types.

Those who come to give blood or platelets from Nov. 23-Dec. 6, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Wheel of Fortune oversized mug, while supplies last. They'll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Los Angeles, including admission to a Wheel of Fortune taping.

A dip in blood donations is a puzzle we can solve together when more people donate blood. Schedule your appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org/WheelofFortune .

Now through the holiday season, making and keeping blood donation appointments is especially important to help keep the blood supply strong. To help empower and educate our blood donors, in November, successful donations will get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. (One result per calendar year; do not fast before donating). Visit RedCrossBlood.org/diabetes for more information.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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/RapidPassor use the Blood Donor App.