##  Delta recognized as No.1 corporate blood drive sponsor for the American Red Cross for ninth consecutive year 



Delta employees and customers helped save thousands of lives through blood donations, contributing 15,911 units to the American Red Cross.



Staff Writer

Tue, 07/21/2026 - 13:00

Delta’s steadfast commitment to life-giving blood drives made the airline the No. 1 corporate blood drive sponsor of the [**American Red Cross**](https://www.redcross.org/) for the ninth consecutive year, with employees, retirees and customers contributing 15,911 units of blood in fiscal year 2026 (FYE 6/30).



“Just last week, the Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage and is urgently seeking blood donors," said Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross. "We are deeply grateful for partners like Delta that help us meet the constant need for blood. As our top blood drive sponsor for the ninth consecutive year, Delta plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive critical care."



Throughout the 2026 fiscal year, Delta hosted 392 blood drives across 81 locations, added three new drive locations, and welcomed 1,967 first-time donors – expanding our support in the communities we call home. Delta’s partnership with the Red Cross also extended to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through the HBCU Ambassador program, which supported 152 blood drives across the nation.

 

 

 

 

Delta has continued to grow its blood drive program with the addition of community blood drives, including joint events with Atlanta, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Seattle sports teams sponsored by Delta.



"When people are in need, Delta people step up. It's who we are,” said Emmakate Young, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Delta. “For the ninth year in a row, our people have led the way in saving lives through blood donation. From our donors to our blood drive leaders and volunteers, we're grateful for everyone who came together to make a meaningful difference for patients and families every day.”



In addition to blood donations, The Delta Air Lines Foundation is an Annual Disaster Giving Program member at the $1 million level, supporting the Red Cross in advance of disasters. This year marks the 85th anniversary of Delta’s partnership with the American Red Cross, our longest standing nonprofit partnership, which dates back to 1941, when Delta people donated and transported blood in WWII.



The American Red Cross recently declared an emergency blood shortage after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. If you’re able to, help make a difference by donating blood with Delta. Sign up [here](https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=deltaatl).







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