A thick blanket of dense fog has settled over the Central Valley in Fresno in recent weeks, which has created some of the deadliest conditions the community has seen in years. Central California Blood officials say the recent incidents of fog-related collisions have placed an urgency and strain on the region’s blood supply.
Just one week ago,17 vehicles piled up on Highway 99 near Fresno, which resulted in one death and left more than 20 people severely injured. Across Fresno County, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers say they are doing their best to respond to the dozens of crashes that have occurred within the last week. Officials say the increase in accidents is directly linked to the heavy fog, which continues to limit the visibility of drivers to near zero at times.
“This fog is causing havoc,” CHP Officer Mike Salas told ABC30.
Salas also said that, in addition to the fog creating visibility problems, speeding drivers also continue to play a dangerous role in the accidents Fresno is seeing.
With an ever-growing number of crash victims needing life-saving transfusions, the blood center is urging healthy community members, including Fresno State students and staff, to donate now.
Although dense fog is not new to the Valley, this season’s particularly severe conditions recall past patterns of fog-related crashes that have previously overwhelmed emergency services in the Fresno area.
With the blood supply strained due to elevated crash rates, blood bank partners and health officials hope that Fresno State’s volunteer efforts will help mitigate the difficulties and needs of victims through events like Fresno State’s blood drives.
“When the Central Valley experiences days of heavy fog, we unfortunately see an increase in traffic accidents, which directly impacts the demand for blood products,” said Taylor Thatcher, manager of public relations and marketing at The Central California Blood Center. “Blood donations are critical for trauma patients, and when accidents happen, there is an immediate need for lifesaving blood.”
Donations made ahead of time ensure hospitals are prepared when emergencies happen, even during unpredictable weather conditions like dense fog. Appointments to donate blood can be scheduled here.
Fresno State frequently hosts blood drives, usually multiple times per semester in partnership with the Central California Blood Center. With specific dates often aligned with events like the 9/11 memorial or general campus needs, students and faculty can check the Jan and Bud Richter Center’s event page for the most current blood drive information.
The upcoming Fresno State blood drives for Spring 2026 are set for the following dates and times:
- Feb. 10-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April 28-30, time to be determined.
All of the drives will be held on campus at locations such as the Resnick Student Union Room 107, the Memorial Gardens and the Free Speech Area.
During the blood drives, students must prove their eligibility by showing their photo ID along with meeting the minimum age and weight requirements. At the drive, students will present at least one valid form of identification, answer a short health questionnaire and get their vitals checked before getting their blood drawn by a phlebotomist.
