Ninth Annual STOP THE BLEED® Day Set for May 21, 2026 During EMS Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the official start of STOP THE BLEED® Month 2026, a nationwide effort to raise awareness, encourage training, and empower individuals to act in bleeding emergencies. Throughout the month of May, the STOP THE BLEED® campaign is mobilizing communities across the country to take action under this year’s theme: “Minutes Matter.”

Theme: Minutes Matter

This year’s theme, “Minutes Matter,” highlights a powerful truth at the core of the STOP THE BLEED® mission: while the campaign celebrates nearly a decade of progress, with millions trained and lives saved, in a real emergency, the outcome is determined in the first few minutes.

“Minutes, not years, determine survival in a bleeding emergency,” the campaign shared. “Every second counts, and every person trained is someone who can step in and save a life.”

How to Participate in STOP THE BLEED® Month

Throughout May, individuals, organizations, and communities are encouraged to take part in STOP THE BLEED® Month in meaningful ways:

  • Get Trained: Take a STOP THE BLEED® course and learn how to control severe bleeding
  • Host or Attend a Training: Instructors and organizations can organize local training events and post these classes on the Stop The Bleed Coalition’s Training Management System
  • Join the STOP THE BLEED® Trainathon: Participate in the second annual nationwide training initiative, powered by the STOP THE BLEED® Training Management System
  • Apply for a Grant: Licensed Organizations can apply for STOP THE BLEED® training kit grants through the 2026 STOP THE BLEED® Grant Program
  • Engage on Social Media: Participate in the “Raise Your Hand” and “#MySTOPTHEBLEEDStory” campaigns to spread awareness
  • Test Your Knowledge: Take the STOP THE BLEED® Quiz and challenge others to learn life-saving skills
  • Share Resources: Use campaign materials to educate your community and amplify the message

STOP THE BLEED® Day: May 21, 2026

STOP THE BLEED® Day serves as a focal point during the month, bringing communities together to highlight the importance of bleeding control education. Held during National EMS Week, the day recognizes EMS professionals as vital partners in the mission to save lives.

Why STOP THE BLEED® Matters

Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in emergencies. A person can bleed to death in just minutes, often before first responders arrive. In many cases, bystanders are the only ones able to provide immediate help.

STOP THE BLEED® was developed from lessons learned on the battlefield, where rapid bleeding control has saved countless lives. By teaching simple, effective techniques, the campaign empowers everyday people to become immediate responders in critical moments.

Join the Movement

STOP THE BLEED® training is simple, accessible, and lifesaving. This May, everyone has a role to play — whether by getting trained, hosting a class, or spreading awareness.

To learn more about the STOP THE BLEED® campaign, visit DoDStopTheBleed.org.
To explore STOP THE BLEED® Month, Day, and ways to participate, visit StopTheBleedProject.org.

For a full list of activities and resources, visit stopthebleedproject.org.

Media Contact:
 Kayla O’Neill
Marketing Manager
kayla@ampyourgood.com

Author: Project