The American Red Cross is experiencing a critical blood shortage, with hospital demand outpacing supply and blood products down about 35% over the past month. Donations are urgently needed—especially platelets and O, A negative and B negative blood—to prevent delays in lifesaving care. High flu activity nationwide has reduced donor turnout while hospitals face added strain during one of the worst flu seasons in decades.
Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment now using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, donors who give through Jan. 25, 2026, will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX. Those who donate Jan. 26–Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org.
Upcoming blood drives in the Finger Lakes:
Ontario County
Canandaigua
- 1/27/2026: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Crosswinds Wesleyan Church, 3360 Middle Cheshire
- 1/30/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Wood Library, 134 N. Main Street
Clifton Springs
- 1/28/2026: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital, 2 Coulter Rd.
Geneva
- 1/30/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cornell AgriTech – Jordan Hall, 630 W. North St.
Victor
- 2/2/2026: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., St. Patrick’s Church, 115 Maple Avenue
Wayne County
Clyde
- 2/2/2026: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Clyde Fire Department, 15 Ford Street
Newark
- 1/30/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Post 286, 200 East Union Street
Ontario
- 1/23/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Casey Park – Ontario, 6551 Knickerbocker Road
Red Creek
- 2/3/2026: 11:15 a.m. – 4 p.m., Community Center, 6574 South Street
Walworth
- 1/28/2026: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Walworth Fire Department, 2178 Church Street
