Fishers Island individuals answered the call!
June and August Blood Drive each had a magnificent turnout. Many thanks to the donors, the volunteers, and the CT Blood Center crew who traveled to Fishers!
“Why I Give”
The Stats:
June Drive Presenting Donors: 34
Units Collected: 32* donations
July Drive Presenting Donors: 35
Units Collected: 33 donations
*3 of these donations were Double Red donations, so they count twice for a total of 35 actual units collected.
Thank you too, to the 24 August donors who wrote these nice notes and answered the question “Why I Give Blood”.
Critical shortage: Red Cross declares second-ever blood supply crisis
USA TODAY
July 29, 2026The American Red Cross* has declared a second-ever national blood supply crisis as donations have dropped to a four‑year low, leaving the country with less than a one‑day supply of type O positive blood and prompting urgent appeals and incentives for donors.
Key points:
The Red Cross announced a national blood supply crisis today, the second such declaration in its history.
Donations have fallen to a four‑year summer low, with type O positive blood inventory under one day nationwide.
The shortage threatens emergency surgeries, accident victims, cancer treatment, and maternity ward services.
*NOTE from Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC), part of the 3rd-largest national blood collection and service organization. The Red Cross is the 2nd largest.
Our nation is down to a 2-day blood supply, which is in the critical need range. It is the lowest since 2020, when people were not donating during C-19.
NOW IS THE TIME TO DONATE!
We had an outstanding turnout for the Blood Drive in June!
Let’s do it again Thursday, August 6, with even more participants!
This summer, in addition to being able to donate a regular pint, CTBC will be offering double red cell donations as well. Three of the 31 donors on June 3 participated in this. CTBC’s webpage has more information on this option: Double Red Cell Donations.
Blood donated on Fishers is used to serve the hospitals in Connecticut and Rhode Island that we all rely on – Lawrence & Memorial, Yale New Haven, Hartford Health, Westerly Hospital, and more.
Let’s make the last On-Island Blood Drive in 2026 a huge success!
Click the appointment button and select the tab for
WB – Whole Blood or DR – Red Cell
- Everyone who donated in June may donate again on August 6*!
- When you make an appointment, make one with a friend!
- *Individuals may donate blood every 8 weeks; Double Red Cell donors, every 4 months.
Appointments are strongly encouraged!
The Drive is held at FI School’s Gym 9:00-2:30
Bring Your I.D.
How can you contribute?
- Sign up to Donate Blood in the RED and/or PINK button below
- Volunteer to help staff the drive, welcome and direct donors, serve snacks post-donation
- Help to provide lunch for the CT Blood Center staff. Consider a small donation to Islanders for Islanders to help defray the cost. Provide a yummy dessert for the crew of 12. Thank you to the Village Market for providing the ‘to-go’ meal
- Print the Blood Drive poster and post it, or share this post with friends.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to assist, please contact Jane Ahrens at finyinfo@gmail.com or text (203) 801-8431.
REMINDER TO DONORS:
CTBC encourages you to eat a light meal prior to your donation and bring your photo ID with you when you come.
