Sign up for our July 28 Red Cross blood drive in Oakland: Blood supplies are critical
July 13, 2026 •
On Tuesday, July 28, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., UCOP will once again host a blood drive for the American Red Cross in Lobby 1 of the Oakland Franklin building. All employees are welcome to participate!
Your donation is crucial
The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay.
This shortage comes amid the summer trauma season, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the need for blood to treat traumatic injuries often increases. Currently, Red Cross blood distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected. On top of that, a steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need.
All blood types are needed. This shortage is especially serious for types O positive and B negative blood, as well as AB plasma. Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma patients, mothers in childbirth, and those with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk.
How to join us
- Contact UCOP retiree Jan Kehoe to make an appointment that works with your schedule
- Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions.
- Bring your photo ID
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to the questions below on the Red Cross donation site.
Read a complete list of FAQs here. For questions about the UCOP event, contact Jan Kehoe.
Tags: blood donation, blood donor, giving back, Oakland
