The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region has announced that blood donors in June will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card and be entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. This initiative is in recognition of World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day.
According to the American Red Cross, individuals are encouraged to donate blood or platelets this June as the Atlantic hurricane season begins. The organization warns that severe weather can disrupt blood drives and reduce supply levels needed for emergency transfusions. Even when hospitals are stocked, unplanned events may cause sudden shortages. The Red Cross urges people to make and keep appointments in June despite summer activities to help maintain a stable supply, especially of type O blood and platelets, which are in high demand.
Blood donations remain critical due to the 42-day shelf life of red blood cells, requiring consistent donor turnout to meet ongoing medical needs. In recognition of World Blood Donor Day on June 14 and World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, those who give blood or platelets from June 1–30, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and be automatically entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Multiple blood donation events are planned in June across Knox and Licking counties. In Knox County: Bladensburg on June 30; Centerburg and Danville on June 17; Mount Vernon on June 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 27. In Licking County: Granville on June 20; Johnstown on June 28; Newark on June 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, and 30; Pataskala on June 20 and 26; and Utica on June 19. Locations include community centers, churches, hotels, and donation centers. Full details and appointment options are available at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling the provided number.
The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region serves nearly six million people across Ohio's counties as well as parts of Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. It provides disaster relief services along with emergency preparedness training and mental health support while supplying about 40% of the nation’s blood. The region operates five chapter locations and six blood donation centers with volunteers making up about ninety percent of its workforce.
