Rhode Island Blood Center

12/19/2025

These are the faces of people who save lives. 💙

Over the past week, our incredible donors in Rhode Island showed up in big ways, helping ensure patients across the region have the blood they need. We’re so grateful for this community of lifesavers—your generosity and commitment make all the difference.

Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and giving hope. Every donation counts, and every donor matters, especially during the winter holidays. 🩸

12/18/2025

In the days following the shooting at Brown University, Owen Leary, a lifelong Rhode Islander, 6th year Brown University MD/PhD student, and a part-time research supervisor at the hospital, came to donate blood—looking for a way to help his community during an incredibly unsettling time.

Like so many in the Brown and Rhode Island communities, Owen knows people who are personally affected and feels the anxiety of the situation deeply. He’s spoken with fellow medical students and faculty, all sharing the same concern—and the same desire to help. For Owen, donating blood was one tangible way to do that. Knowing the victims would likely need transfusions, and that emergencies like this create an urgent strain on the blood supply, he felt called to act.

“Rhode Island’s a small state. The Rhode Island Blood Center is where most of the blood comes from,” Owen shared. “I’ve donated here before, though it has been a while, so I was happy to come help fill that need. It sounds like a lot of Brown students are showing up to help out, which is good to hear.”

His message to others is simple and urgent: if you have the time and the energy, the time to donate is now!

12/17/2025

In the face of tragedy, our community showed up. Thank you to every donor who gave for patients, neighbors, and Rhode Island.

Your compassion is already making a difference — and the need continues. ❤️🩸

12/16/2025

When tragedy struck at Brown University, Rhode Islanders stepped up in a big way. Over the weekend, our blood donation centers experienced one of the highest donor turnouts we’ve ever seen — with hundreds giving blood and platelets.

As team members and donors shared, this response wasn’t just about blood — it was about community care and doing something positive during a difficult time.

Help continues, and every donation matters. 💪 https://bit.ly/44q3cw4

Rhode Island Current

Donations to the Rhode Island Blood Center have hit record highs in the days after the mass shooting at Brown University. But the nonprofit leaders say they still need more donations, and are asking for donors to make appointments beforehand.

12/15/2025

In the hours following the tragedy at Brown University, our Rhode Island community continues to show up in an extraordinary way.

Students and community members across the state answered the call —walking through snow and rerouting their plans all to help make an impact. On Sunday alone, we saw 123 first-time donors and saw an increase of over 265% in blood donations.

We're in awe of this community and thank all the donors who have visited or plan to visit our donor centers and mobile drives in the coming days and weeks. Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and willingness to help when it matters most. You are all lifesavers.

We extend a special thank you to Congressman Seth Magaziner, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, and their respective staffs for their support.

12/14/2025

Our hearts are with Providence today. 💔

We are devastated by the news of the mass shooting in our community, and our thoughts are with all those impacted — the victims, their loved ones, and the first responders.

In response, we have been asked to provide additional blood units to local hospitals to support patient care during this emergency. Hospitals rely on a ready supply during emergencies, and your donation can save lives.

🩸 We have extended hours at a number of our donor centers. If you are eligible, please consider donating blood to help ensure hospitals have the lifesaving supply they need: https://www.ribc.org/donate-blood/

Thank you for standing with our community during this difficult time.

12/12/2025

Please join us in celebrating Cornelius, who reached an incredible milestone with 100 platelet donations! 💯🩸

Cornelius has spent years showing up, rolling up his sleeve, and giving patients a second chance at life. His dedication is nothing short of inspiring, and today we couldn’t be more grateful for his generosity and commitment.

12/11/2025

Sometimes, you don’t get to see the difference your blood donation makes. But for patients and families, that difference means everything — and their words of gratitude, read by lifesaving donors, say it best!

You can make this kind of impact, too. Sign up to donate today. 💞

12/09/2025

Longtime donor MaryEllen S. brought the whole crew to Ocean State Pickleball Blood Drive— her daughter Stephanie O. and her grandson James O., who made his first donation and joined the lifesaver club! 💙

Proof that good things come in threes — especially when it's family! 🎁

12/08/2025

Our last Media Drive of 2025 is here! This is your chance to save lives and honor a few incredible causes. With NBC 10 WJAR, we're aiming to make this drive the best one yet!

📅 Mon, Dec 22
⏰ 8:00 am – 7:30 pm
📍 Crowne Plaza Warwick - Airport
🔗 Sign up at https://donate.ribc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/77930
P.S. Everyone who comes to donate will receive their choice of socks or a beanie, and you'll be entered to win a pair of tickets to see Ed Sheeran at Gillette!

12/05/2025

💛 Thinking of donating platelets? Register for our Platelet Pact and come by to give platelets twice or more by January 29, 2026 to get your choice of a premium puffer vest or $40 eGift card! Learn more and register at ribc.org/pact.

12/04/2025

Thank the Donor gives blood recipients the ability to write messages of thanks and gratitude to blood donors. Today, our donors got the chance to read a few ❤️