Red Cross Blood Drive at Chesterfield Towne Center June 29
TL;DR: The American Red Cross, partnering with 12 on Your Side, is hosting a blood drive at Chesterfield Towne Center on June 29 from 1 to 7 p.m. to address ongoing national blood shortages.
Quick facts
- Who: American Red Cross, 12 on Your Side (NBC12)
- What: Blood drive with online registration and RapidPass app pre-screening option
- When: June 29, 2026, 1 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Chesterfield Towne Center
The story
The American Red Cross, in partnership with NBC12's 12 on Your Side, will host a blood drive at Chesterfield Towne Center on June 29 from 1 to 7 p.m. Donors can schedule appointments in advance or walk in without an appointment. Both options are welcomed as blood centers work to reverse a severe national shortage.
The Red Cross has declared a critical blood shortage, with the national blood supply falling approximately 35 percent in recent months. Blood donations to the Red Cross have declined 40 percent over the past two decades, and seasonal summer travel and school closures traditionally deepen the shortage during June and July. The Red Cross reports needing an average of 75 donors per day during summer months to meet regional demand.
To speed up the donation process, donors are encouraged to download the American Red Cross Rapid Pass app before arriving. The app allows donors to complete health history screening questions and pre-donation reading materials from home in 10 to 15 minutes, potentially reducing time at the drive by up to 15 minutes. Appointments can also be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Blood shortages directly affect hospital patients undergoing surgery, trauma victims in emergency care, and those receiving cancer treatment or other life-saving procedures. Type O blood and platelets remain particularly scarce. Every donor who shows up helps hospitals maintain the supply needed for critical and routine patient care.
Key players
- American Red Cross: Blood collection and coordination
- 12 on Your Side (NBC12 Richmond): Media partner and event host
Key dates
- 2026-06-29: Red Cross blood drive at Chesterfield Towne Center, 1 to 7 p.m.
The case for
A successful blood drive draws new donors and strengthens the local blood supply during a critical shortage period. Community blood drives create convenient local options for donors, often reaching people who might not otherwise visit a donation center. Each donation can save up to three lives, making high-attendance events essential for patient care at regional hospitals.
The case against
Blood drives require Red Cross staff resources and volunteer coordination that might otherwise support permanent donation centers. Walk-in donors can create unpredictable wait times compared to scheduled appointments. Seasonal drives do not address the long-term decline in repeat donors, which accounts for the majority of blood supply and is the underlying cause of recurring shortages.
Why it matters: Chesterfield residents depend on hospitals using blood products for emergency care, surgery, and cancer treatment. As the national blood supply remains critically low, local blood drives are essential to ensuring adequate supplies at regional medical centers. Participation directly supports patient care in Chesterfield and surrounding communities.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-06-1712 on Your Side announces partnership with Red Cross for June 29 blood drive: NBC12 promotes upcoming blood drive at Chesterfield Towne Center in response to national blood shortage [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/06/17/12-your-side-partnering-with-american-red-cross-blood-drive/)
- 2026-06-29Red Cross blood drive held at Chesterfield Towne Center: Blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. with online appointments and walk-in options available [[source]](https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive-advanced)
Related links
- Schedule an appointment or find blood drives
- Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
- 12 on Your Side announcement
- Learn about blood shortage impact
Sources
- 12 On Your Side partnering with American Red Cross for blood drive
- Red Cross RapidPass
- Red Cross Declares Severe Shortage after Blood Supply Falls 35 Percent
- Blood donation centers face summer shortage as demand remains high
- Schedule appointments at RedCrossBlood.org