Published by Kirby Winn on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Blog
A question we're often asked this time of year, especially with concern over national blood inventory levels in the news:
Is ImpactLife facing a blood shortage?
Our answer is "No, and let's keep it that way!" We're glad to assure the communities we serve that hospitals and EMS groups that rely on ImpactLife for their blood supply have blood "on the shelves" and patient care is not being compromised due to low inventory levels.
But, there's a catch! We need strong support from the communities we serve to maintain a strong and stable blood supply through late July and into the dog days of August. Blood providers across the country face headwinds to blood collection during the summer months. Those challenges include:
- not being able to schedule blood drives with K-12 schools or colleges and universities,
- summer vacation season and events impacting "routine" donation schedules at our donor centers,
- shorter work weeks due to summer holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day),
- and soon, State and County Fair season picking up again in August.
These headwinds can mean a significant reduction in the rate of blood donation, leading to low blood inventory levels. Even the acting U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, is commenting on the nation's blood supply, and encouraging volunteer donors to step forward.
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Is ImpactLife facing a blood shortage? No, but it will take the ongoing support of longtime, dedicated donors and first-time donors alike to stay ahead of the curve and avoid any potential blood shortage that would impact patient care in our region.
To thank those who schedule appointments at ImpactLife donor centers during this challenging period, the blood center is increasing the value of Donor Rewards from July 20 through August 9 by $20 (gift card or donation value) for whole blood and double red cell donations made at ImpactLife Donor Centers.
To book an appointment for blood donation, call (800) 747-5401, text LIFESAVER to 999-777, or schedule online at www.bloodcenter.org or via the ImpactLife mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).
Donors who give blood on mobile blood drives will also receive their choice of an electronic gift card, points to use in the ImpactLife Donor Rewards Store, or the opportunity to donate an equivalent value to a nonprofit. Donor Rewards values are based frequency, location, and type of donation (see chart).
Learn about ImpactLife Donor Rewards
We're fortunate to have a great team with departments focused on donor recruitment, inventory management, blood testing and processing, and of course, working with volunteer donors to collect their donations. Thank you to the generous individuals across our region who hear the call and step forward as volunteer donors to help ensure there's no shortage of blood components for patients in our region.