Blood donation drives ramp up in Germany and the United States for summer

In Viernheim, Germany, the Red Cross blood services warn that warmer weather reduces donor turnout and that the region needs roughly 3,000 blood units each day. The agency launched the "missingtype" campaign, encouraging people to donate throughout the summer and offering information on blood‑type testing.

In the United States, Vitalant and the American Red Cross are holding community drives, including a June 15 event in Santa Barbara, to offset a sharp decline in scheduled donations. Incentives such as $15 gift‑card rewards and entry for larger prizes are offered. Both organisations stress that the summer trauma season – with a rise in vehicle accidents – can demand large quantities of blood, making donor appointments critical to maintaining supplies.