The American Red Cross has partnered with WLOS News 13 and iHeart Radio to launch the 39th Annual Operation Blood Drive, a long-running community initiative aimed at boosting blood donations across Western North Carolina during a period of heightened seasonal demand.
The campaign will take place on June 24-25, 2026, with multiple donation sites operating across Asheville, Columbus, Waynesville and Hendersonville. Organisers say the initiative arrives at a critical time for healthcare providers as blood supplies continue to face pressure from declining donor participation and increased emergency care requirements during the summer months.
According to the American Red Cross, scheduled donations have fallen significantly in recent weeks, causing the national blood supply to decline by several thousand units. The organisation said summer travel, outdoor activities and severe weather disruptions often contribute to shortages, while trauma cases frequently rise during the same period.
“The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation,” said Adrian Mines, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter. “As trauma cases increase and donations decline, every donor who steps forward helps ensure lifesaving care is there when it matters most.”
Healthcare providers rely heavily on blood donations during summer months when road accidents, recreational injuries and emergency surgeries tend to increase. The Red Cross noted that a single trauma patient can require up to 100 units of blood, underscoring the importance of maintaining stable supplies for hospitals and emergency response services.
The Operation Blood Drive has become an established annual event in the region, combining public health awareness with local community engagement. Organisers are encouraging residents of all blood types to participate in order to help ensure hospitals remain prepared for emergencies throughout the summer season and during hurricane-related disruptions that can affect donation schedules.
Multiple donation centres planned across the region
Donation centres will operate at several locations over the two-day campaign. On Wednesday, June 24, Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville will host donors between 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
A broader schedule is planned for Thursday, June 25, including donation sites at Steps to Hope in Columbus, Reuter Family YMCA and Asheville YMCA in Asheville, First United Methodist Church in Waynesville, and the American Red Cross centre in Hendersonville.
In addition to highlighting the urgent medical need for donations, organisers are also offering several incentives designed to encourage participation. Presenting donors will receive an exclusive Operation Blood Drive T-shirt while supplies last, alongside a $15 electronic gift card redeemable at participating merchants for donations made between June 1 and June 28.
Participants will also be entered into prize draws, including the opportunity to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Individual donation sites will additionally hold drawings for family Cedar Fair ticket packages, while donors attending the YMCA locations will receive complimentary five-day trial memberships.
Local restaurants are also expected to participate by providing complimentary refreshments and treats for donors throughout the campaign.
The 2026 drive coincides with several June observances intended to emphasise themes of inclusion, resilience and community support. Organisers said the campaign aligns with World Blood Donor Day on June 14, Juneteenth celebrations on June 19, and Pride Month initiatives recognising expanded donor eligibility and inclusivity within blood donation programmes.
The Red Cross said these events collectively reinforce the broader message behind the annual drive, encouraging community action and civic participation through lifesaving donations.
Appointments are strongly encouraged in order to manage donor flow efficiently across participating venues. Prospective donors may register online, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or via the organisation’s telephone booking service. Donors are also encouraged to complete the RapidPass online health questionnaire before arriving at their scheduled appointment.
Now approaching its fourth decade, the Operation Blood Drive remains one of the region’s most established community health campaigns, reflecting ongoing collaboration between local media organisations, healthcare advocates and volunteers seeking to strengthen emergency preparedness during the high-demand summer period.
