Red Cross sees ‘alarming’ drop in blood donations. How to give in Boise area
The American Red Cross has issued an urgent plea for blood and platelet donors after an “alarming” drop in donations ahead of the busy summer season across the country, including Idaho.
In a May 28 news release, the organization said donors of all blood types are needed to help keep the nation’s blood supply stable during the months ahead.
Scheduled donations — which make up about 90% of all blood donations — have fallen sharply in recent weeks, according to the American Red Cross.
Officials said the timing is especially concerning, as donation rates often dip during end-of-school activities, vacations and summer travel.
“As a result, the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week, raising concerns that the decline could worsen as we enter trauma season,” the organization said.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, demand for blood often rises due to serious injuries from car collisions, all-terrain-vehicle crashes, sports and summer activities.
“Every minute matters,” Dr. Emily Coberly, medical director for the Red Cross, said in the release. ”For each minute that passes without blood transfusion, the risk of death increases by 11% for patients suffering from hemorrhagic shock. That’s why having a readily available blood supply is critical.”
Here’s who is eligible to donate — and where Boise residents can give:
Who can donate blood to American Red Cross?
“To ensure the safety of both patients and donors, these are some of the requirements donors must meet to be eligible to donate blood based on their donation type,” the American Red Cross said.
According to the organization, here are the general eligibility guidelines for blood donation:
- 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 at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
- High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
You cannot donate if you have the cold, flu or another illness, according to the Red Cross.
You might also be prevented from donating if you have low iron levels, are taking certain medications or traveled outside of the United States to a malaria-risk country in the past three years.
Where to donate blood or platelets in Boise area
According to the American Red Cross website, here are Boise-area facilities currently accepting blood and platelet donations:
- Boise Blood Donation Center, 5380 West Franklin Road, Boise
- Nampa Blood Donation Center, 5820 East Franklin Road, Nampa
The Red Cross has several pop-up donation events around Boise throughout the month ahead including at the Boise Towne Square, several churches and at library locations.
Here’s when and where you can find blood drives in the next few days:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at 8620 Goddard in Boise
- Central District Health: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 12, at 707 North Armstrong Place in Boise
- Boise City Hall West: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 12, at 333 North Mark Stall Place in Boise
How to make an appointment to donate blood
You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or schedule an appointment online or check RedCrossBlood.org for upcoming blood drives near you.
Donors who come in through Sunday, June 28, receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.
This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Red Cross sees ‘alarming’ drop in blood donations. How to give in Boise area."
