Nationwide Foundation aids American Red Cross during critical need for blood donations

Blood donation is one of the most essential ways to ensure the health of those in local communities. As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate even in areas that have stay-at-home/stay-safe orders.

While Nationwide’s on-site blood drives have been suspended, many community drives are open and collecting vital blood donations. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need, and a single donation can save more than one life.

Beverly Powell, a Nationwide associate, recently donated blood at a local drive near her Raleigh, NC community.

“I’m O-negative, the universal blood type, so my blood can help anyone regardless of their blood type,” Powell said. “I’m committed to give every 56 days, and with many blood drive and appointment cancellations, I knew there was a critical need and I felt completely secure and protected with the safety measures of the Red Cross staff and volunteers.”

During this uncertain time, the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent shortages as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were paused this spring because of the pandemic. If you’re healthy and eligible to give, please find a community drive near you to schedule an appointment.

American Red Cross
America's Blood Centers

Nationwide Foundation supporting Red Cross efforts

As many Nationwide associates were providing blood donations, the Nationwide Foundation fast-tracked $5 million in pandemic response grants— $1 million each to national partners the Red Cross, Feeding America^® and United Way, distributed nationally and to local members/chapters, and $2 million to be shared among select nonprofit partners

The Red Cross is using the funds to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and provide critical relief services to those affected by disasters big and small during this pandemic.

“The American Red Cross is grateful for wonderful partners like Nationwide, as we work together to collect lifesaving blood donations to help patients in need throughout this difficult and uncertain time,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “The Nationwide Foundation’s contribution also ensures the Red Cross can continue to carry out the other aspects of our lifesaving mission, including providing critical relief services for disasters of all sizes. We’re deeply grateful for their generous support during this challenging time.”

Visit RedCrossBlood.org to learn more about the need for blood and safety protocols for giving blood.