Sign up for a September 30 Red Cross blood drive in Oakland
September 13, 2026 •
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 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
In late July, the American Red Cross declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and the Red Cross provides nearly 40% of the nation’s supply. However, mounting pressures — including extreme weather disruptions to blood drives and long-term demographic shifts — are widening the gap between supply and demand.
The Red Cross projects that these challenges could persist, as the demand for blood is expected to increase by 12% by 2030. At the same time, the donor base has declined by 40% over the past 20 years, stretching the current blood supply beyond sustainable limits. This campaign aims to address these urgent challenges, including rising hospital demand, fewer donors, increasing costs and aging infrastructure. Through expanded donor engagement, advanced technology, and modernized facilities, the initiative will strengthen the Red Cross’s capacity to collect and deliver lifesaving blood.
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.
- Am I eligible to donate blood?
- What is the blood donation process?
- How can I prepare for my donation?
Read a complete list of FAQs here. For questions about the UCOP event, contact Jan Kehoe.
Tags: blood donation, blood donor, giving back, Oakland
