The American Red Cross is encouraging residents across western North Carolina to donate blood and platelets this October as hospitals continue to depend on a reliable supply of blood products for patients requiring lifesaving transfusions.
In an announcement issued Oct. 7, 2026, in Charlotte, the organization emphasized that blood donations remain essential throughout the year, particularly as changing weather conditions can disrupt collection efforts and increase logistical challenges.
Red Cross Highlights Importance of Maintaining a Stable Blood Supply
Although October typically falls between the peak summer and winter severe-weather seasons, unpredictable conditions can affect blood collection and transportation.
Maintaining sufficient blood inventories allows the Red Cross to distribute blood products to hospitals and communities when emergencies occur, including during natural disasters.
The organization is seeking donors of all blood types to support patients receiving emergency treatment, undergoing surgery or managing medical conditions that require transfusions.
Even a single donation appointment can contribute to maintaining the blood supply for patients locally and nationwide.
Limited-Time Rewards Available for Blood and Platelet Donors
To encourage participation, the American Red Cross is offering incentives to eligible donors during two promotional periods.
September 21 Through October 18, 2026
Individuals who come to donate blood or platelets during this period will receive a $15 electronic gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Additional information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.
October 19 Through November 22, 2026
Those who come to donate during the second promotional period can receive rewards totaling up to $20, including:
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A $10 Amazon Gift Card delivered by email.
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500 bonus Blood Donor Rewards points, redeemable for a $10 electronic gift card.
Details about the promotion are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Maze.
October 2026 Blood Donation Opportunities in Western North Carolina
The Red Cross has scheduled donation opportunities throughout western North Carolina between October 7 and October 31.
Asheville and Buncombe County
The Asheville Blood Donation Center, located at 100 Edgewood Road, is hosting appointments on numerous dates throughout October, with operating hours varying by day.
Additional community blood drives include:
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October 9: Givens Estates, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
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October 15: William W. Estes Elementary School, 275 Overlook Road, Asheville, 7–11:30 a.m.
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October 21: MAHEC-Biltmore Campus, 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
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October 26: Galen College of Nursing, 30 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
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October 29–30: UNC Asheville Highsmith Student Center, 1 University Heights, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. each day.
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October 30: Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, Asheville, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Donation events are also scheduled in Candler, Swannanoa and Weaverville.
Haywood, Henderson and Jackson Counties
Haywood County donation locations include Haywood Community College and Riverbend Elementary School in Clyde, First Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge in Waynesville, and North Hominy Community Center in Canton.
Henderson County events include donation opportunities at the American Red Cross office in Hendersonville, First United Methodist Church, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock and the Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks office in Fletcher.
In Jackson County, blood drives are scheduled at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee on October 27 and 28, along with events in Sylva and Tuckasegee.
Additional Western North Carolina Locations
Other scheduled donation sites include:
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October 14: McDowell Technical Community College, Marion, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
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October 15: Steps to Hope, Columbus, 1–5:30 p.m.
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October 16: Murphy First United Methodist Church, Murphy, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
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October 20: First Baptist Church, Old Fort, 1–5:30 p.m.
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October 23: Lake Lure Baptist Church, Lake Lure, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
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October 24: Cliffside Baptist Church, Cliffside, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
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October 30: Linville Land Harbor Recreation Complex, Newland, 12:30–5 p.m.
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October 31: Balsam Grove Community Center, Balsam Grove, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Additional events are scheduled across Cherokee, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties.
Blood Donation Eligibility and Appointment Information
Most individuals who are at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more and are in generally good health may qualify to donate blood. Sixteen-year-olds may be eligible with parental consent where permitted by state law.
Additional height and weight requirements apply to high school students and donors age 18 or younger.
Donors must present a blood donor card, driver’s license or two other acceptable forms of identification at check-in.
Appointments can be scheduled through RedCrossBlood.org, the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
RapidPass Offers Faster Donation Check-In
Donors can use the Red Cross RapidPass service to complete required pre-donation reading materials and health history questionnaires online on the day of their appointment.
The service is available through RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or the Blood Donor App.
Red Cross Encourages Donors to Schedule Appointments Early
The American Red Cross is asking eligible residents to schedule and keep their October donation appointments to help maintain blood availability throughout the fall.
With collection events planned across western North Carolina and limited-time donor rewards available, the organization hopes to strengthen blood inventories and support hospitals treating patients who depend on timely transfusions.
