Since July 1, 2024, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25 percent. The need for blood is constant, and the Red Cross is the primary blood supplier to more than 60 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon. In times of critically low blood supply, community partners such as Papa Johns help make an impact in improving blood donor numbers.

"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 has shown commitment to a stable blood supply in the Northwest Region and beyond by providing a coupon for a free large 2-topping pizza to all who came to give blood with the Red Cross in July and August (redeemable at participating locations). The Red Cross is thankful for partners like Papa Johns, striving to make a difference and helping to remind blood donors of the critical importance of their blood donation.

"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 quickly coming to an end, the blood supply remains critically low. More individuals are needed to donate now to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries, and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. It’s the blood on the shelves now that helps 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.