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Roll Up Your Sleeve in 2026: VA Blood Drives Seek Heroes Like You!

Caucasian man in jeans and t-shirt, with blond hair, reclined in a tan chair holding a red ball, donating blood.
Healthy individuals are encouraged to Roll Up Your Sleeve Today as part of a nationwide effort by VA medical centers to respond to the ongoing national need for blood.

By Leanna Lynch, Public Affairs Officer

BEDFORD, Massachusetts – In participation with the American Red Cross, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA Bedford Healthcare System invites Veterans, employees, and community members to participate in the 2026 blood drives.

This is part of a nationwide effort by VA medical centers to respond to the ongoing national need for blood.

2026 Scheduled Blood Drive Dates:

  • March 17, 2026
  • June 2, 2026
  • August 11, 2026
  • October 6, 2026
  • December TBD

All blood drives will be held in Building 80, Room 120 (The Flag Room). Due to limited parking outside Building 80, donors are encouraged to park in either parking lot 1 or 2. Please enter through Building 2 and follow the signage to the blood drive location. Friendly volunteers in red shirts will be on hand to assist you.

To ensure a smooth and efficient experience, we highly encourage donors to register in advance. Donors must present a photo ID at check-in. Walk-ins are welcome, but please be aware that there may be an extended wait time. 

How to Reserve Your Blood Donor Appointment:

To reserve an appointment, you can:

  1. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, enter VABEDFORD in the search block to find all VA Bedford blood drives.
  2. Call 800-RED CROSS (733-2767)

Join the #RollUpYourSleeve Campaign:

The VA’s national #RollUpYourSleeveVA blood drive campaign encourages individuals to donate blood at VA facilities or partner centers like the American Red Cross. One blood donation can save multiple lives and make a significant difference for Veterans and others in need.

For information on blood donation and donor eligibility visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html or call 800-RED CROSS.

For more information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Leanna Lynch at VHABedPublicAffairs@va.gov or .