Iowa State to Host Red Cross Blood Drive

Donors can give whole blood or Power Red donations to help address shortages and support patients in need.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Iowa State University will host an American Red Cross blood drive from March 9 to 11 at the Memorial Union, inviting students, faculty, staff and community members to donate blood and help address blood shortages. Donors will have the option to give either a whole blood donation or a Power Red donation, which collects two units of red blood cells.

Why it matters

Blood donations are critical to supporting cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals undergoing surgeries or emergency treatment. Power Red donations are especially valuable for patients requiring significant red blood cell support. This drive aims to boost local blood supplies and assist patients in the Ames, Iowa community.

The details

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment by visiting the Red Cross website and entering the sponsor code 'CYCLONES' to choose a preferred date and time. To be eligible for a whole blood donation, donors must be in good health, at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110 lbs. For a Power Red donation, male donors must be at least 17 years old, 5 feet 1 inch tall and weigh 130 lbs, while female donors must be at least 19 years old, 5 foot 3 inches tall and weigh 150 lbs.

  • The blood drive will take place from March 9 to 11, 2026.
  • Whole blood donors can give every 56 days, up to 6 times per year.
  • Power Red donors can give every 112 days, up to 3 times per year.

The players

American Red Cross

A humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States.

Iowa State University

A public research university located in Ames, Iowa, known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs.

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What’s next

Individuals unable to attend the on-campus blood drive are encouraged to donate at American Red Cross or LifeServe Blood Center donor locations in Ames, Iowa.

The takeaway

This blood drive is an opportunity for the Iowa State community and Ames residents to make a direct and meaningful impact on local patients in need of blood products. By donating, participants can help address critical blood shortages and save up to three lives with a single pint of blood.